Dream kitchen for owners ... and pets

Designed by Sarah Robertson, Studio Dearborn

From the designer:

The homeowners of this new build on the outskirts of Nashville were seeking privacy, serenity and a connection to nature in their new home. 

They had lived in Nashville for a number of years, and were finally building their dream home for themselves and their five pets.

Objectives 

• Create a large (but not huge) pet friendly, eat-in kitchen with an expansive feel and great natural light.
• Mix classic design details with a little modern and a little farmhouse style – and anything BUT the standard all white kitchen!
• Comfortable eating areas for all five pets and functional stations for cooking prep and storage.
• Custom tailored storage and functionality that addressed their true needs and habits.

Design challenges 

• The homeowner’s desire to bring in a reclaimed brick from her hometown in Wisconsin faced numerous supply chain headaches, as well as issues integrating with cabinetry.
• Installation of a drain in the floor for the pets watering station was a 'must have' for the homeowner.
• Integration and alignment of beams, windows, doors and refrigeration elements with multiple items needing to align – as a designer, I didn't want the beams to just land 'anywhere' relative to the cabinetry, but there were many moving parts.
• A relatively short wall for refrigeration left a really small coffee bar area and we wanted more space.

Design solutions 

Aesthetics

o Rich blue/black cabinetry was chosen to contrast with the pale oak floors and light brick.

o Soapstone countertops keep the palette clean, with a contrasting marble island top to bring in movement.

o Solid brass hardware was sourced from a woman-owned business in Bali, Indonesia.

o Mid-century Arthur Umanoff vintage bar stools add some age and texture to the mix.

Function

o A refrigerator column was paired with an under counter freezer, opening up space for the generous coffee (and dessert!) bar

o The built in pet watering station allows for filling and draining all in place – no carrying water bowls!

o The custom sink allows for drying of dishes on a platform low enough to cover with a cutting board, even when small dishes are drying.

Storage

o Storage was customised for nearly every category of items in the kitchen (including the homeowner’s vitamin collection!)

o Wall cabinets were brought down to the counter to make up for their limited number.

o The cat feeding area has its own toe kick drawer for cat bowls and a pullout adjacent for cat food.

Other special features 

o A large rangehood fully clad in soapstone lends gravitas to the room.

o Dark character oak accents pull in warmth and a slightly rustic feel.

o Custom chevron tile extends up the back of the bar wall cabinet, lightening the interior and bringing texture to this wall.

o Cast concrete pendant lights balance the heft of the rangehood and ceiling beams.

Story by: Trendsideas