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Family meets formality
Family meets formality from Kitchen Trends volume 2502
A kitchen placed centrally within a run of formal rooms needs to sit well with its neighbors while offering the functionality required for family life. The trick is finding an effective balance between the decorous and the day-to-day. Integrating your appliances can play a part in this, and so too can cabinetry treatments.
This kitchen, designed by Maureen O'Neill, connects to the family room, hearth room, and, via a butler's pantry, to the formal dining room. Because of its central location, the owners wanted the kitchen to have a dignified air.
"In response to this, we created a kitchen with fully molded cabinetry doors on the island and perimeter cabinetry," says O'Neill. "Chandeliers hang from the ceiling and most appliances are tucked away behind cabinet doors."
Some elements are a continuation of features found elsewhere – for example, the backlit leadlight windows are also seen at the front of the home.
However, the gracious look of the kitchen, almost a dining room in its own right, belies the functionality of the space. Distinct work zones include a food preparation area opposite the freestanding range, a cleanup space under the kitchen windows, and a storage area comprising a large refrigerator and freezer, and a food pantry. There is also a separate space for wine storage, which doubles as a breakfast nook.
Most of the appliances – from warming drawer through to dishwashers and a wine cabinet – are integrated into the cabinetry to further the formal look. However, some elements of the design have a lighter ambiance.
"Perimeter cabinets are painted off-white. This tone is not only less solemn than the dark wood of the island, but the lighter color also downplays the ornate finishes and moldings," says O'Neill.
In addition, a local artisan was asked to paint decorative elements on both the ceiling and hood. While the ceiling painting complements the ornate chandeliers, the artwork on the oversized hood is reminiscent of a French Provincial kitchen.
"There is something of a dual personality to this kitchen," says O'Neill. "The owners often entertain and the furniture-like fittings and ornate decoration are appropriate for this use. But when children's lunches rather than cocktails are being served, it takes on a more breezy air."
Cream-toned cabinetry introduces a lighter note to this formal kitchen. Most appliances, including a full-height refrigerator and separate freezer, are out of sight behind cabinet doors.
A decorative element on the hood adds a French Provincial touch. A warming drawer is integrated into the island in close proximity to the kitchen's cooking zone.
Full, ornate curtains and sparkling chandeliers are all part of the kitchen's dressed-up feel.
The wine serving area includes an ice maker integrated under the counter. All appliances, hidden or otherwise, are set within the appropriate work zone.
An informal aspect of the kitchen is its open connection to the hearth room. A large stone fireplace in this room and distressed finish on the central table are two features of the space. Warm Brazilian cherry floors help link the entire run of rooms, leading to a screened porch at the rear of the residence.
Rohl Gallery
Credit List
Cabinetry
:
Perimeter cabinetry – maple in vintage white; island – cherry matte fireside with black glaze; door style – Grand Tour
Countertops
:
Golden Beach granite with French ogee edge, from Castle Rock Construction
Windows
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Andersen high-performance, low-E, sandstone-clad, from Konsler
Backsplash
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Honed travertine with bronze inserts; niche Naples recycled glass mosaic with glazed amber molding, from The Fine Line
Kitchen sink
:
Undertone stainless steel by Kohler
Faucets
:
Perrin & Rowe; satin nickel by Rohl
Range
:
Thermador Dual Fuel
Story by Charles Moxham
Photography by Eric Hausman
Kitchen designed by Maureen O'Neill of Abruzzo Kitchens. Features Fisher and Paykel dishwashers.
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