Robust bouquet

A kitchen is likely to reflect the energies and preoccupations of its owners. When they are a couple with a passionate commitment to wine and winemaking, it's no surprise that the look is functional, honest and welcoming.

This kitchen by designer Shannon Cline was conceived for two winemakers, Butch and Lisa Milbrandt, as part of a large living space with a feature barrel vault ceiling. The couple wanted an informal kitchen, open to the surroundings so guests could mingle with them while dinner was being prepared.

"A large range hood bolted to the ceiling was already in place when I came to the project," says Cline. "I designed a U-shaped kitchen around this, with an island in the middle to create efficient work triangles and easy pedestrian flow."

The peninsula contains a substantial oven and six-burner cooktop, while the island behind houses a prep sink and two recycling bins. The perimeter countertop is for cleanup only, and between it and the cabinetry wall at the end of the kitchen is the entry to the walk-in pantry, with its own sink and a second dishwasher.

"To maximize the impact of the room's volume, I introduced tiered, stepped-back cabinetry that leads the eye gently up through the space to the brick ceiling and rough-hewn timber beams," says Cline. "A ladder on rails gives access to the uppermost cabinets displaying curios and reminders of the clients' travels to winegrowing countries around the world."

In terms of material selection and cabinet style, the kitchen has an eclectic, gathered look to imply that the kitchen has evolved over time.

"We kept cabinet doors and hardware the same throughout, but the island is in black-stained maple while the peninsula and wall cabinets are finished in glazed cherry," says the designer. "Overall, the warm, natural tones and a mixed use of materials and finishes come together to create a rustic, lived-in ambiance."

Story by: Charles Moxham