KBB - September 2011 - (Page 37)

Adjacent to a cobalt blue range (above), open storage enhances the kitchen’s casual look, as does a hutch-style cabinet designed by Howard. The architect’s plan was reconfigured (above right) to ensure optimal usage of appliances for all occasions. The cabinetry’s vibrant color scheme (opposite) was conceived by the homeowner. this flexibility required tweaking an architect’s plan to maximize “usage of the appliances.” A set of refrigerator drawers for storing fresh produce, for example, was moved closer to the range to minimize the distance between prepping and cooking, and an oversized refrigerator was relocated opposite the cooking area and out of the way of busy chefs. Naturally, keeping the vibe fun and casual was top of mind for Howard, but this, too, did not come without its challenges. As with all kitchens, providing ample storage was a must, but how to do so without overwhelming the space with cabinetry? “We had to reverse-design this project,” said Howard, whose initial design placed cabinetry on all three walls. “But that wasn’t saying simple, open and fun.” After a round of judicious editing, wall units were eliminated from either side of the hood, and next to the range, open shelves containing storage baskets were added for a more informal look. Further enhancing the kitchen’s casual appeal, Howard varied the heights of the cabinetry along the back wall while incorporating a door that connects to a balcony overlooking the backyard. Because the door is prominent and centered, he was concerned about it disrupting the flow of cabinetry from one side to the other and, in an earlier concept, developed a symmetrical elevation to establish continuity. But the effect was too formal, he noted, and moreover, the clients “wanted more open storage [and] the conventional open-shelf cabinet just didn’t look right.” As an alternative, a custom hutch-style unit was created for the left side of the door while wall and base cabinets anchor the right. A two-tiered island, topped with Blue Boquira granite, loosely separates the living area from the kitchen, which is otherwise completely open. Here, an elevated bar counter with high stools conceals a generous-sized cast-iron sink in cobalt blue. Under the lower countertop are ensconced a dishwasher and a double wastebasket pullout that allows for recycling or additional trash disposal for entertaining. Of course, much of the kitchen’s dramatic impact stems from its Mediterranean-inflected colors, which originated with the wife herself. “The pool house was her baby,” said interior designer Corinne Jones. “She had lots of tear sheets for inspiration,” as well as a sketchpad and color pencils, with which she “literally drew a picture of what she envisioned for these cabinets and the overall color scheme. And we went from that.” The cabinet’s bright hues beautifully set off the cobalt blue range, which surprisingly was chosen much earlier in the process. According to Howard, the clients had originally requested all of the appliances in blue, but because of a lack of availability, they settled on stainless steel for the rest of the equipment, which in the end worked out well. “As you walk through the kitchen, the stainless is like a neutral and really picks up reflections, depending on your angle of view,” Howard noted. Although Howard admits the kitchen’s palette is not for everyone, he and the homeowners are pleased with the result, as were the judges. “Almost all our projects turn out better than we imagined, but this one was many factors better,” he said. n sources Designer: James E. Howard, ckd, cbd—Glen Alspaugh Kitchens & Baths, St. Louis; www.glenalspaughkitchens.com Additional members of the design team: Corinne Jones, Corinne Jones Interiors (interior designer) Manufacturers: Cabinetry: Signature Custom Frameless Cabinetry; Countertops: CaesarStone; Refrigerator, refrigerator drawers, wine cooler and ice maker: Sub-Zero; Dishwasher: Asko; Range: Viking; Hood liner, remote blower and microwave drawer: Wolf; Sink and faucet: Kohler Photography: © Alise O’Brien www.kbbonline.com / September 2011 + K BB 37 http://www.glenalspaughkitchens.com http://www.kbbonline.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of KBB - September 2011

KBB - September 2011
Table of Contents
Online Contents
Online News
Editorial
Show Director’s Note
Trends
Products
Design
Meet the Judges
Top Projects
Merit Projects
Honorable Mentions
Modern Classic: An eclectic bath with timeless appeal
Ad Index
Favorites

KBB - September 2011