You uncover what is ~ when you get rid of what isn't.
Wabi - Sabi
Period: Late 1920's
Building: Former worker's apt's, mild Greek Revival influence
Site: Bustling city block
Project: Condo kitchen renovation
Other areas designed: Balcony, living room
Color palette: Wheat, red/brown, w/cream, black
Materials palette: Maple, Lyptus wood, quartz stone, stainless
Client: Tech industry CIO, bachelor with a love of Asia
Summary:
Bringing space and light to this dark, cramped kitchen required re-visioning everything: moving a door, creating a false bottom for an immovable window, eliminating a radiator, reducing the depth of all items on one wall, installing an internal window, and moving every fixture and appliance. We used a light, monochromatic pallet to increase brightness, with features like an "artificial skylight" and undercab lighting. To make the space more open, the design was kept symmetrical, with balanced asymmetry where required, and the floor tile was angled to the room. Much-needed storage was created by cabinets to the ceiling and tall pantry cabinets. The client wished for subtle Asian undertones, so we used clear maple with rich red Lyptus wood, and clean lines with minimal detail.
"I lost almost 25 pounds [in 8 months] since we did the kitchen. I actually bother to cook now; it's so much easier."
Mouse over detail for wide shot - scroll down for 'before'