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Designed for a client who "didn't want what everyone else had", this vibrant kitchen makes a bold design statement

View of a contemporary kitchen which features a cabinetry, countertop, cuisine classique, interior design, kitchen, room, white — View of a contemporary kitchen which features a red tiled backsplash, oak cabinetry, marble tiled flooring, concrete perimeter countertops and marble counters on the island, lighting, cantilevered range and other appliances.

View of a contemporary kitchen which features a cabinetry, countertop, cuisine classique, interior design, kitchen, room, red

View of a contemporary kitchen which features a cabinetry, countertop, cuisine classique, interior design, kitchen, table, white

View of a contemporary kitchen which features a ceiling, countertop, interior design, kitchen, red, black

View of the kitchen pantry area which features cabinetry, countertop, furniture, interior design, kitchen, gray

Not your typical kitchen the homeowner's instructions to the designer and decorators who worked on this project made it clear this kitchen was always going to be out of the ordinary.

The owner says she wanted a contemporary kitchen that offered something different and a little unexpected. After extensive research, she presented her ideas to designer Kaya Cinar of Kickspace, Inc.

"I had discovered the zebrawood veneer during my research, and this provided the starting point for the design," the owner says.

But rather than use the highly grained zebrawood for all the cabinets, the designer and owner paired it with dark-stained, quarter-sawn white oak. The contrast ensures the zebrawood overhead cabinets and matching appliance towers on opposite sides of the kitchen make a distinctive design statement.

These cabinets are further enhanced by the choice of vibrant red glass tiles for the backsplash, which extends to the ceiling. The tiles help reflect the light and reinforce the kitchen's strong horizontal lines. For the same reason, power outlets are mounted horizontally, rather than vertically.

Two different countertops were specified a dark polished concrete for the perimeter cabinets and a dramatic white onyx for the island.

"People are often a little wary of using onyx for a work area, but I don't mind if it marks it will just be a record of all the good times we have had in the kitchen," says the owner, who loves to entertain.

Other special features of the kitchen include a Chang hood, chosen for its dramatic sculptural appearance. In addition to extensive storage in the main cabinets, there is a pantry, which has its own drink storage and preparation area.