Tall and bright Richard Landon remodeled kitchen

Often it is one thing to address all the needs on a client's wish list and quite another to thread a striking, multi-layered aesthetic right through the design this project does both.

Textural variations between the porcelain floor tiles, diverse wood and laminate cabinets and orbitalized stainless steel countertops give the reinvented kitchen a rich, enduring appeal. An emphasis on form can be seen in the shallow arch of the window above the sink, which is repeated in the shape of the hood, the island countertop, chair backs and desk.

Designer Richard Landon says that as well as interweaving these themes, many pragmatic transformations were made to meet the homeowners' request for more light, storage and cooking versatility elements the old kitchen fundamentally lacked.

"Some structural changes were instrumental in accommodating the wish list," says Landon. "We introduced the taller, arched window above the sink to let in more natural light and views of the hillside. We also shifted the French doors to align with the hall, affording space for another window. Lastly, in terms of structure, floor space was gained by moving a bathroom."

Mindful that the workspace would be used by more than one chef, Landon made the island an optimum size. He also selected a cooktop with side controls, so that two cooks working either side of the island both have easy access.

For more storage, ceiling-high cabinets were added, with a ladder accessing the upper areas. Tall pantries were set on the end wall and deep drawers effectively double the capacity of standard drawer sizes. The island also has overlapping drawers each side has a full-width drawer that alternates with the next.

With parents and teenagers using the space, countertops were introduced at varying heights.

"On the island, the jatoba, end-grain butcher block suits the tallest family member, as does a long, raised counter on the end wall," says Landon. "All other work surfaces are also tall, but closer to standard height."

Besides improving light penetration from outside, Landon layered internal light sources, from the lit upper display cabinets to concealed, under-island lighting. A ceiling monorail system adds more general lighting and decorative task luminaires light the desk area. The study nook was another request of the owners.

Story by: Trendsideas