Colorful kitchen with orange range mixes colored cabinets with rift-cut white oak

Design inspiration can come from plenty of different places. But for the owners of this kitchen, Wendy Schultz and Pete Langbord, it was their favorite painting that set the scene for a bold, colorful space.

Designer Elina Katsioula-Beall says the painting inspired not only the color selections but also the design of the kitchen.

"The owners' daughter Estee adores the painting as it reminds her of the movie Toy Story, so we decided to make this the focal point from which everything else would radiate."

The designer says in the original kitchen the refrigerator was near the cooktop, which reduced counter space for food preparation. The circulation was also restricted by an L-shaped counter, and a suspended overhead cabinet blocked the view to the breakfast area.

"We moved the refrigerator into the former oven alcove, and created a new cooking zone that is large enough to accommodate a range with two ovens. The painting sits above this, within a niche covered with tempered glass. Colors in the artwork are repeated in the orange range, the bright green spice pullouts and the blue and pink cabinet doors. Rift-cut white oak cabinets help to offset the bright pops of color."

The curving shapes in the painting are also referenced, in the curve of the hood and a purple vaulted ceiling element.

To disguise functionality, the refrigerator and freezer columns mimic sleek armoires, and are separated by a landing counter with a coffee center above.

"The sink countertop that wraps around the bay window was extended to form an angled breakfast table with bar stools on both sides," says Katsioula-Beall. "There are unobstructed views between the kitchen and family area."

Two doggie gates are concealed within the cabinets at the entry to the kitchen, and cabinets are laminated to resist marking by pets.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes