Tonal expression

Constricted by services or blocked by bulkheads, a kitchen design can be at the mercy of what has come before. The trick is to turn every limitation into an element that will enhance the design.

This kitchen was created by architect Dan Vercruysse and interior designer Jodi Gillespie. The apartment was partially constructed as a speculative property, with framing and plumbing already in place at the start of the design. Existing framing was removed to clear out spaces, says Vercruysse.

"The new kitchen is set almost out of sight between the concrete pillar supports. A large island at the front connects to and helps organize the greater space," says Vercruysse. "Above the island is a floating ceiling panel in hand-waxed Venetian plaster. Besides concealing some services, this ceiling leads the eye across the space, out to views of the Mississippi River. This element simplifies the interior, a space that in reality has several nooks and corners."

Interesting, understated finishes have been introduced throughout the home, against a backdrop of the base structure's exposed concrete walls. The client had asked that these be left unclad, preferring the roughcast texture.

Besides creating contrast, the concrete provided a color cue for some elements, including the surfaces of the wall and island cabinetry, Jodi Gillespie says.

"These are in maple, stained a custom gray that also has nuances of the brown, end-grain hemlock floors," says Gillespie.

Besides appearing to meld with the formwork, the cabinetry finishes also complement the brushed stainless steel countertops and integrated sink.

"The kitchen, like the entire apartment, creates a play of quiet tones and textures," says Gillespie. "The back-painted glass island countertop takes its color from the off-white hand-worked plaster of the ceiling overhead. Both offer a sense of material depth that contribute to the emphasis on form and line."

Story by: Trendsideas