Rustic charm

An appreciation of a particular look or style is a good starting point when designing a new home, but this doesn't mean every detail of the space has to be authentic. Often, a subtle touch is far more effective, and certainly will be more practical for modern living.

Kitchen designer Mal Corboy was asked to design a kitchen for a new home. The owners expressed their liking for a rustic French look, which also features throughout the interior.

The architect had allowed sufficient space for a full kitchen at one end of the family living area; plus a U-shaped scullery, as large as most standard kitchens, accessed through double pocket doors. When these doors are open, the scullery is easily visible from the family living area, so materials in here are the same as in the main kitchen.

To help create the rustic look the owners wanted, Corboy specified double-beaded framed doors and drawers for the cabinetry, with a handpainted, antique finish. The scullery is fitted with a large white porcelain butler's sink, and wrought iron handles with a twisted, knotted appearance match the balustrades on the staircase to the upper level of the house.

French blue and gray patterned tiles on the backsplash pick up the veins of color in the double-thickness honed Lennon granite countertop, softly contrasting with the white cabinetry.

"The owners did not want the peninsula to double as a seating area. We chose a dark-stained oak frame with fluted column-like legs and push openers for the paneled doors so it looks like a piece of furniture," says Corboy.

Intended to be the main work area of the kitchen, the scullery contains pantry storage, open shelving, a second sink and dishwasher, plus a wine cooler and a steamer. The refrigerator, two Gaggenau ovens and the cooktop are in the main kitchen, and storage here is for pots, serving pieces and china.

Story by: Trendsideas