Pied-à-terre small kitchen

Space is always at a premium in downtown Manhattan, but it does spark innovative design solutions, as this project shows.

The Greenwich Village apartment, in a high-rise building close to theaters, galleries and restaurants, is a pied-e -terre for the owner a retired international banker who now has a successful career as a travel photographer.

Designer Roberta Kravette of Nieuw Amsterdam Kitchens says the entire apartment is less than 400sq ft, and the kitchen is just 23.5sq ft.

"The owner does like to entertain friends and occasionally cook, so the kitchen needed to have everything necessary to prepare a gourmet meal or relaxing breakfast."

Kravette says the kitchen was laid out in an L shape. Cabinets 42in tall within an inch of the ceiling create 16.3cu ft of storage for dishes, glassware and a small collection of pots and pans. Another cabinet accommodates four full-depth drawers, one each for cutlery, cooking utensils, food wraps and bags, and kitchen linens.

A corner cabinet accommodates the sink, and provides enough room for a small trash unit and cleaning supplies. The sink itself has a removable fitted cutting board, which creates additional counter space for food preparation.

Kravette says the rich, natural hue and grain of the cherry wood cabinets warm the space visually. The wood is complemented by a Juparana granite countertop and wall tiles in desert tones.

"The color palette was inspired by the owner's love of Africa the black accent tile in the backsplash has motifs from traditional African textiles."

Appliances can also be a challenge for small kitchens, says Kravette. This kitchen features a 24in-wide range and a small refrigerator, which is perfect for chilling the obligatory pre-theater champagne. A microwave/hood, originally designed for recreational vehicles, is another space saver.

Story by: Trendsideas