In character

No matter how much space is given over to other living areas in the house, chances are it's the kitchen-family living area that is used 90% of the time. With so much activity centered on one space it makes sense to ensure the design is tailored to your precise needs.

When interior designer Julie Blase had the opportunity to remodel the kitchen in her own house, she knew exactly how it should look and how it would function.

"The house sits beside a river and we wanted to open it up to the view," she says. "We also wanted a much larger, open-plan kitchen, dining and keeping room with traditional European-style cabinets that wouldn't date."

Blase says it made sense to reposition the kitchen in a wing of the house overlooking the river. But because of the remodeling costs involved in replacing lots of small rooms with a single large living space, architect Pak Heydt recommended rebuilding the wing, from the ground up.

Contractor Dan Hanlon of Red Level Renovations says the sheer size of the new kitchen, dining and living area proved a challenge. Measuring 1500sq ft, with 14ft-high ceilings and 30ft spans, the kitchen required huge steel beams to support the second floor and the roof. These beams were clad in cherry wood panels so they would be in keeping with the old-world character of the kitchen.

Blase worked with her mother, designer Barbara Ducoffe, to ensure every detail would reinforce the sense of history that prevails.

Cabinets are in cherry with a rubbed wax finish that gives an aged patina.

"We also added Palladian architectural elements, with pediments and arches that echo the curve of the arched transom windows," says Blase. "The shelving is backed with traditional beadboarding. For visual continuity, we have replicated this cabinet design throughout the house."

An uninterrupted bank of cabinets along one wall incorporates two large refrigerators and two freezers, all of which are integrated to enhance the seamless look.

A large furniture-style island forms the centerpiece of the kitchen. In addition to three arched dog cubbies on the front, the island features intricately carved pilasters and pediments on the corners. The design has special meaning to the family, says Blase.

"The French fleur-de-lis pattern represents rebirth, which is an appropriate analogy for a house that has had a new lease of life. The pattern also acknowledges a French connection in the family."

Blase says the warm wood cabinetry is paired with honed white Calacatta marble countertops, which were chosen to provide a crisp, clean look.

Another key feature of the space is the European-style hood that matches the custom fireplace surround at the opposite end of the room. Marble tiles in a herringbone pattern form a traditional backsplash over the cooking center, which includes a steamer and fryer.

A separate pantry to the left side of the cooking center provides additional storage.

Story by: Trendsideas