Scenes by the sea

Working within constraints often brings out the best in a design. With the setting already dictating aspects of the layout and cabinet shapes, attention to texture, tone and detailing can develop the kitchen's individual aesthetic.

This kitchen forms part of a residence with a dramatic ocean view and a high ceiling with a sculptural skylight. Kitchen designer Brian Allen was asked to create a design that would optimize views and blend with the open-plan living spaces.

A close collaboration with interior designer Farz Magzub and the owners resulted in a workspace with minimal, clean lines and a warm, beach-inspired appeal, says Allen.

"To avoid blocking out the scenery or closing the kitchen in, we specified open shelving and kept above-counter cabinets to a minimum. On the side away from the views, an existing window was removed to make way for a wall of cabinetry with pantries and integrated refrigeration."

Keeping countertop appliances out of sight was important to the owner, so a stainless steel tambour on the same wall conceals the juice station. Dishwashers are integrated: one in proximity to the island sink and the other positioned by the sink in the perimeter countertop.

Downplaying the role of the kitchen visually was appropriate, as the front door opens directly into this area. Support columns are set to the left and right of the entry and one of these is integrated with the central island. Curved toekicks on the SieMatic cabinets connect visually with the fluid lines of the columns.

"This design has a strong emphasis on cabinetry finishes and colors," says Allen. "The island and perimeter under-counter cabinets are finished in SieMatic ribbed laminate this has a horizontal texture which ties in with the orientation of the recessed pulls and the spread-out nature of the open-plan room.

"In contrast to this, the wall of cabinets is in SieMatic Zebrano. This has a vertical grain that leads the eye up through the generous volume to the attractive skylight overhead," says Allen.

The tonal composition ensures the kitchen is in tune with its seaside location. Cabinetry in muted, sandy hues is played off against the quartz countertops, which are gray-blue with hints of gold. The hue was specified to pick up the tones of the slate-colored floor that runs through the living spaces and out onto the deck.

"The design works well with both near and distant surroundings," Allen says.

Story by: Charles Moxham