Drama class

Strong colors and contrasting textures needn't overwhelm small kitchens as long as a few design principles are followed.

That's the experience of designer Angie Keyes of Insignia Kitchen and Bath, who has built up a reputation for planning and designing small kitchens.

The owners of this award-winning kitchen a family with two teenage sons needed a well-planned space, with plenty of large appliances and robust surfaces.

Keyes gutted the old kitchen and replanned it to improve traffic flow. The sink is now underneath the bay window overlooking the newly landscaped back yard. A 48-inch stainless steel Sub-Zero refrigerator is opposite the breakfast bar, within easy reach but without visually dominating the space.

Other appliances include a Dacor Professional range and hood, and Dacor microwave drawer.

"The kitchen may be small, but it's packed with function and storage."

The Grabill cabinetry is made from lyptus wood, a sustainable plantation wood with a strong grain that holds color well. The cabinetry is bevelled, then stained with Cranbrook glaze.

To ensure the space was not overwhelmed by the dark cabinetry, Keyes specified clean cabinetry lines and a simple handle style. She paired the cabinetry with durable Quartz countertops, a pale, uniform surface that offsets the rich colors and patterns elsewhere, and visually enlarges the space. The effect is enhanced by 18-inch limestone floor tiles, set on a diagonal with thin grout lines.

"A glass mosaic tile backsplash, incorporating the owner's favorite colors, makes the kitchen pop," says Keyes. "Above the range, a contrasting mosaic pattern is like a piece of artwork, and pendant lights in the same colors as the splashback introduce a hint of Art Deco."

For details, contact Insignia Kitchen and Bath Design Group Ltd, 1435 S Barrington Rd, Barrington, IL 60010, phone (847) 381 7950, fax (847) 381 8004. Website: www.insigniakitchenandbath.com. Email: akeyes@insigniakitchenandbath.com.

Story by: Trendsideas