Balanced outlook

An essential first step towards achieving your kitchen is setting the scene. A strong framing environment will bring character to the project long before the first cabinet is built.

For this kitchen in a classic clapboard American-style residence designer Morgan Cronin was asked to come up with a concept that would be in keeping with the house.

"This is the sixth kitchen I have designed for the owners over the years, in styles ranging from old-world to modern," he says.

"We started by introducing a paneled ceiling which has a traditional appeal and sets up the symmetrical feel for the space. Working within the allocated area, I wanted to give the kitchen a strong, solid appearance. To this end, I then introduced framing walls instead of standard cabinet panels to separate the elements."

The built-in cabinetry helps define the storage and display cupboards to the left of the kitchen, and also separates out the refrigerator, cooking area and pantry at the back.

Features include the leather-finish black granite island countertop and the custom pressed-metal hood. These play an essential part in the kitchen's two-tone decor.

The refrigerator and pantry are set on either side of the cooking station. Storage above the refrigerator maintains the balance between these two elements.

"Several classic features connect the kitchen to the aesthetic of the home," says Cronin. "Cup handles on the cabinetry, baseboards instead of toekicks, a farmhouse sink and a double oven all help achieve this, as do the glass-fronted wall cabinets over the dresser."

Story by: Trendsideas