Sheer magic

Sometimes a bold approach is needed to achieve the kitchen you aspire to. When building a new home, there is often the opportunity to make big changes without major disruption.

That was the situation facing the owner of this apartment, who didn't need the three bedrooms specified on the blueprint, but did want a more contemporary European aesthetic, and more public space for entertaining.

Designer Ingrid Baltasi says the client isn't an especially enthusiastic cook, but he wanted a well-equipped, attractive kitchen where he could entertain friends.

"At the same time, we needed to consider the apartment's 40ft hallway," she says. "While it was the main corridor, it had a bowling-alley feel."

The best solution was to reconfigure most of the floor plan, eliminating one bedroom, moving and enlarging the kitchen space, and removing much of the hallway. Curved, etched-glass panels were installed to delineate the space between the entrance hall and kitchen, and to create a sense of arrival at the front door.

"The space is defined, but it feels open and spacious, even with a house full of guests," says Baltasi. "Visually, the panels are interesting the glass has a green tint and a moire pattern that suggests the movement of water. The panels function as installation art as well as dividers."

Each panel, reaching 8ft 6in from floor to ceiling, has an optional waterfall feature, designed to create acoustic atmosphere and visual drama.

The soffit follows the same curves as the glass panels, reinforcing the panels' shape, and tempering the apartment's long rectangular space. Curves also feature in the marble perimeter countertops and Miele hood. They, too, soften the straight lines elsewhere, and inject extra energy into the space, says Baltasi.

Although the floor plan was small, the designer was able to include an island, which accommodates a wine cooler and provides an additional work surface. Stainless steel appliances were chosen to complement the polished, urban look of the high-gloss white-laminate cabinetry.

"White appliances wouldn't have worked next to the creamy-white cabinetry. The stainless steel oven, hood and refrigerator also provide a cool, crisp palette," Baltasi says.

"This is balanced by warm-toned oak flooring, which helps to anchor the space. Laying the boards on the diagonal was a way to pull and stretch the space visually. It also introduces an interesting dynamic to the kitchen."

The lighting features a mix of task-oriented downlights and pendant lighting, including a decorative pendant above the island.

For more details, contact Ingrid Baltasi Design, 3326 N Sacramento, Chicago, IL 60618, phone (773) 588 0910, fax (773) 588 0911. Email: ingrid@baltasi.com. Website: www.baltasi.com.

Story by: Trendsideas