Natural personality - sleek, modern Japanese kitchen by Zephyr

It doesn't take much the selection of a subtle door treatment here and a sculptural range hood there to transform a quite ordinary kitchen into a highly distinctive one.

For this remodel project by kitchen designer Dana Jones, major changes were required before the finer touches could be addressed. The original kitchen had a cramped galley layout and a separate windowless dining space, with the two areas divided by an interior wall, says Jones.

"The first thing was to remove this wall and relocate the dining room door for improved pedestrian flow," says Jones. "New windows were introduced in the kitchen area and these play light across to the banquette seating.

"The goal for this project was to create a comfortable space for the owner to use one infused with an Asian sensibility," says Jones. "Several elements contributed to this feel. For example, we set the three upper windows in asymmetrical balance with the new Zephyr Ventilation Duo range hood a look associated with Asian design principles."

Jones selected a bamboo veneer for both the cabinetry and accent walls. Placed horizontally, this creates a linear look through the kitchen.

"The Japanese shoji screens also played a role. I designed one as part of the end cabinet and the owner liked it so much that he asked me to repeat the screen over the dining alcove."

Another request from the owner was for curved lines in the design. Jones achieved this with the rounded back of the banquette seating, the cylindrical, raised end dais, and the circular table, setting up a playful contrast with the linear kitchen cabinetry.

A further design feature is the contrast between dark and light. The blond bamboo cabinets are offset by the dark furniture-like cabinet, the dark wood of the banquette seating, and, more subtly, the dark band of color on the Zephyr range hood.

"A flecked green glass backsplash on the rear wall creates a colorful feature in the open-plan room, while the oak floor strikes a mid tone between light and dark surfaces," says Jones.

For more information on Zephyr's diverse selection of contemporary range hoods, visit the website: zephyronline.com.

Story by: Trendsideas