Well connected

Besides being the source of nourishment and conviviality, the kitchen often forms a vital link between disparate design sensibilities.

"This renovated kitchen was created by interior designer Teri Duffy and designer and homeowner Sally Perez, in conjunction with kitchen designer Patti Danzig. While the placement of the main elements remains much as before, the look of the space has changed completely.

Within the context of the traditional residence, the homeowner wanted the new space to have a more modern aesthetic that would make good connections with her contemporary art works.

"The kitchen is next to a living space used as a casual family hangout," says Sally Perez. "To provide a visual link between these areas, the large island is treated as a piece of furniture in a dark gray finish with Belgian hardware."

Interior doors in the same area were replaced with antique stained doors, adding to the charm of the modest space and providing continuity with the dark walnut floors.

Adroitly combining the old with the new, door and cabinetry panels are reminiscent of traditional paneling, but are simpler and more transitional, in keeping with the overall design approach in the rest of the home.

Patti Danzig says the white perimeter cabinets further this balance, adding to the crisp, semi-modern aesthetic.

"Wall cabinets are finished in white partly so we could continue this color in the soffits at the top of the cabinetry," says Danzig. "We merged these with the crown moulding running around the room, in a link to the original decor."

Traditional marble was used for the countertops and backsplash, but presented here in a slender, clean-lined profile.

"The adjacent breakfast area was designed with the owner's love of color in mind," says Teri Duffy. "The soft wall color provides the backdrop for more intense colors found on upholstered pieces and on the art works."

There are some interesting material surprises in this area.

"The window banquette is covered in a Dedar woven nylon which is wipeable, even though it has the look of leather while the curtains are made from horsehair," says Duffy. "This is a classic fabric with a starched feel that helps hold its folds. The chairs are in a bold pattern."

There is also a material link to the kitchen metallic finishes there resurface on the metal campaign table.

"A good deal of creative energy was generated by the collaboration of the designers on this project," says Perez.

Story by: Trendsideas