Picture this

Blending in with the greater space is always a balancing act when it comes to designing a kitchen while a demarcated area of use is essential, so too is an aesthetic contribution to the surrounding spaces.

When kitchen designer Angela Otten came to this project, the house was still in the planning stage. This allowed her to work with the architects to delineate the kitchen by matching the cabinetry layout with the coffered ceiling above.

The owners had asked for a playful design that would offer plenty of room to move, and would feel part of the overall interior, says Otten.

"To work in with the adjacent living space, I introduced a black wood frame element that surrounds the baking and associated storage area, and another that encapsulates the rear counter and cooktop. These frames match similar ebonized elements in the living area, such as the hearth surround on the fireplace.

"The predominantly black-and-white scheme forms another all-enveloping framework the outer white island, the endpiece on the inner island and the wall and ceiling trim around all the wood frames form a ring of white surrounding all the black elements in the space."

Another connecting device in the kitchen is a generous use of backpainted glass. This is seen on the cabinets over the ovens, on cabinet faces in the butler's pantry, on the end of the island, and repeated in similar form as the backsplash to the shelving on either side of the fireplace in the living room. Design continuity runs from the most public place to the most private space, with the marble on the fireplace hearth repeated on the rear wall of the butler's pantry.

"The playful side of the design is revealed in several ways, such as in the vibrant red of the backsplash," says Otten.

"The custom-designed range hood features vertical wood strips that give the impression it is suspended," says Otten. "Other light-hearted touches include the dainty chandeliers over the inner island, chosen by the interior designer, and the oversized corbels on the outer island."

Beyond the bold color scheme and light-hearted elements, the kitchen is a picture of responsive functionality. The inner island is used for food preparation and cleaning, and includes a sink, while the outer island provides a convenient spot for guests or family members to sit and chat with the chef.

"The white cabinet at the end of the black island contains plates with a dedicated drawer above for cutlery, just a step away from the breakfast area," Otten says. "And the cabinet at the end of the entertainment island includes a low-set beverage refrigerator for the children.

"Coffee and snack-making facilities are set on the periphery of the kitchen, so someone can grab a drink or sandwich without interrupting the workflow of the main space."

Story by: Trendsideas