Chef's eyrie open to front and rear hillside views

Light and open, this kitchen connects with its natural setting in several ways

Clerestory windows provide views of the hillside behind cabinetry, countertop, cuisine classique, hardwood, interior design, kitchen, room, gray — Clerestory windows provide views of the hillside behind this house, while sliding doors open onto the pool and courtyard area. The freestanding wall of cabinets contains integrated appliances and screens the kitchen from the dining table on the other side. Another wall of cabinetry helps define the circulation corridor behind.

This round Noguchi table provides the perfect place architecture, house, interior design, property, real estate, window, gray

This kitchen was designed by architect Eric Haesloop apartment, architecture, balcony, daylighting, estate, home, house, interior design, real estate, roof, gray

One of the most important features of a new kitchen is its placement in the home both in terms of its relationship to the living areas and the exterior outlooks.

Set on an outer corner of a home that hugs a steep hillside, this kitchen is in an ideal position to enjoy views across the valley and bay. The house, by Eric Haesloop and Mary Griffin with interiors by Margaret Turnbull, optimizes connections to the setting at every angle. This includes picture windows and sliding doors that open to a spacious wooden deck.

There are attractive vistas to the rear of the kitchen, too, says Haesloop.

"A diagonal sightline from the breakfast table through the kitchen takes in the pool, and clerestory windows allow glimpses of the hill behind. This is an immersive kitchen space standing at the island, you feel you're part of the wider environment."

Appropriate to its natural setting, the house has an eco-friendly makeup, with recycled elm featuring on the floor and walls. This species is continued as a veneer on the kitchen cabinets, making for a seamless flow. The countertops and backsplash are in a similar-toned granite. Specifying the two countertops in a slim profile adds to the light, airy ambiance, says Haesloop.

"The owners wanted the kitchen to connect to the adjacent open-plan living and dining spaces, but not be on show. To achieve this, we introduced a dividing wall of freestanding cabinets across the center of the room. This acts as a screen between the kitchen and dining table without blocking the sightlines that run along the front and rear of the interior on this level."

Margaret Turnbull chose the round Noguchi table to fit in the available corner space.

"This chic, slender table also has a light feel," she says. "And the Bocci chandelier above it provides an eye-catching sparkle without detracting from the panoramic outlooks."