Manhattan townhouse kitchen with greenhouse dining room

Manhattan townhouses built in the 19th century typically have the kitchen positioned below the living area on the garden floor, where it can open to the outdoors.

This arrangement did not suit the owners of this rebuilt townhouse, however. They love to entertain and wanted a large open-plan living space where they could cook and relax all on one level.

Architect Jane Sachs of HS2 Architecture, who was commissioned to design the extensive rebuild, says this didn't mean the garden needed to be sacrificed however.

"On the contrary, we were able to create a fully glazed greenhouse dining area overlooking the garden it is just like a garden room.

"We also pushed out part of the kitchen, and introduced 10ft windows and a wide opening to the dining area, so the kitchen is flooded with natural light and sunshine."

The architect designed a large 7ft square island as the main food preparation and serving area. The island also provides extensive storage, including shelving for cookbooks, and has a concealed appliance shelf that can be raised by remote control.

White cabinets with a mix of simple panel doors and beadboard help to keep the space light and airy. So, too, do white subway tiles on the backsplash. The white palette also makes a strong contrast to the exposed brick of the building, and the reclaimed brick fireplace positioned on one wall of the kitchen.

The fireplace is flanked by symmetrical white cabinets, with Sub-Zero refrigeration on one side and a pantry on the other. The dishwashers are also integrated.

Because this is a kitchen for a busy family that thrives on informality and likes to gather around and watch the cook at work, all the utensils, dishes, oils and spices are right at hand beside the cooking center. There is also a pot filler above the large range.

Textural finishes help to retain the traditional character of the townhouse. The countertops feature black granite with a rough, hammered finish. And the flooring throughout the house is hand-hewn engineered walnut that imparts a rich glow to the rooms.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes