Contemporary twist

A mix of materials on the central island adds a modern touch that contrasts with the white-painted cabinetry in this largely traditional kitchen

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One advantage to building a new home is that it gives you the opportunity to find a design that reflects your particular taste and lifestyle from the ground level up.

The owners of this kitchen had designed a new home that was traditional yet simple, with modern touches. They asked kitchen designer Jennifer Gilmer to draw up plans for a new kitchen that was consistent in style with the rest of the house. They had already seen a flat-paneled, white-painted kitchen belonging to another family member, and wanted this to be the basis of their design.

"The new kitchen had to be neat and clean, with a cottagey feel, but on a larger scale," says Gilmer.

Flat-paneled, white-painted cabinets with classic-style brass door and drawer cups and pulls, and granite countertops line the two back walls of the kitchen, creating the required traditional appearance.

Because the kitchen area was extensive, the owners were keen to have an extra-large kitchen island. However, they did not want it to look over-sized or disproportionate to the rest of the space.

"We changed from a regular rectangular island to an L-shape, and utilized a mix of different materials to break it up visually," says Gilmer.

"The combination also introduced a contemporary element to the design."

The polished concrete countertop around the butler's sink is used mainly for preparation and cleaning up. In contrast, a wood countertop, which has a more furniture-like look and feel, forms the section of the top that is used as a breakfast bar.

"The wood top on this part of the island helps link the kitchen and the dining nook," says the designer.

The base of the island facing the dining table is made from polished concrete, bookended by a white-painted wine rack and a small cabinet.

To help keep clutter out of the kitchen, a desk with matching cabinetry is built into the wall close to the dining nook.