Pasta and Chianti

Just as the kitchen is the heart of the home in traditional Italian country houses, so it is the center of family life in this new Boca Raton house.

Architect Mitch Kunik says the owners have traveled extensively through Italy, and wanted to re-create the charm of a traditional Tuscany farmhouse in their own home. It's a look that extends through to the kitchen, which was designed to look as though it could have evolved over time.

Interior designer Lesly Maxwell, who specified traditional Italian materials and finishes throughout the house, says rustic cypress wood beams and stone walls enhance the character of the kitchen.

"All the materials have been distressed to provide an authentic, weathered patina," she says. "The ambiance is further enhanced by a solid wood mantel above the cooking hearth, which was reclaimed from an old barn."

The cabinetry has been given a custom painted and glazed finish that is in keeping with the look. Choosing a different stained mahogany finish for the center island and adjacent cabinets was another way to create the look of a kitchen that had evolved over the years.

"While we have used prominent crown and applied moldings on the cabinets, we have avoided having too much embellishment," says Maxwell. "We wanted to keep the look simple."

Contrasting textures are another key element. One island countertop, for example, features honed Vermont soapstone, which has a flat texture that provides a strong contrast to the polished granite countertops on the perimeter cabinets.

Integrated appliances further enhance the heritage look, but functionality has not been compromised. As the owners are passionate about cooking, the kitchen has been designed for ease of use.

In addition to a double sink on the island overlooking the family room, there is a sink on the center island. Maxwell also incorporated a desk space and a drinks area, which comes with its own refrigerator. A built-in water cooler is concealed within another cabinet.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes