Kitchen of the Week: An Austin Galley Kitchen Opens Up
Pear-green cabinetry, unusual-size subway tile and a more open layout bring a 1950s Texas kitchen into the present
The original kitchen in this midcentury Austin, Texas, home had its charms, but its closed-off layout and old appliances signaled that it was time for an update. Architect Cindy Black of Hello Kitchen worked with Tonianne Soster from TAS Construction to connect the 160-square-foot galley-style kitchen to the adjacent living room. "This helps bring in more light but also gives some relief to the long, narrow room," says Black. Interior designer Barbara Granett chose a palette of white oak and pear-green cabinetry and a set of cheerful furniture to round out this kitchen's new, warm look.
Black kept the end wall near the existing corner window open and streamlined so the owner could make coffee and light snacks. The team updated the window with custom white oak shelves to match the countertop. The original design squashed the sink into this corner too, but Black moved it to the wall and placed the dishwasher right next to it.
Larger-than-usual subway backsplash tile — 4 by 8 inches instead of 3 by 6 inches — plays with the scale of the kitchen wall. "I like that the tile covers the whole wall, as in an older Parisian bistro or bakery," says Black.
Countertops: white oak, DeVos Custom Woodworking; cabinetry: Richard Macdonald, FabShop; tile: Ann Sacks; cabinetry paint: Sweet Pear, Benjamin Moore
Larger-than-usual subway backsplash tile — 4 by 8 inches instead of 3 by 6 inches — plays with the scale of the kitchen wall. "I like that the tile covers the whole wall, as in an older Parisian bistro or bakery," says Black.
Countertops: white oak, DeVos Custom Woodworking; cabinetry: Richard Macdonald, FabShop; tile: Ann Sacks; cabinetry paint: Sweet Pear, Benjamin Moore
A custom cabinet surrounds the refrigerator to help it blend in, and a 12-inch-deep floor-to-ceiling pantry keeps ingredients handy on the other side of the fridge.
A built-in surround for the vent hood also blends with the kitchen cabinetry. The design team allowed for just enough counter space on either side of the oven for basic prep, with 30-inch-deep cabinets underneath for baking sheets and other cooking necessities.
Hood: Bosch; refrigerator: Fischer Paykel; range: Bertazzoni
A built-in surround for the vent hood also blends with the kitchen cabinetry. The design team allowed for just enough counter space on either side of the oven for basic prep, with 30-inch-deep cabinets underneath for baking sheets and other cooking necessities.
Hood: Bosch; refrigerator: Fischer Paykel; range: Bertazzoni
The kitchen has a long and skinny layout, which presented a challenge for placing appliances. Black and Soster wanted to increase the kitchen's overall efficiency while adding more counter space; placing the refrigerator and stove on one side of the kitchen and the sink and dishwasher on the other proved to be the best solution.
The classic cabinetry combines a flush inset style with modern slab doors. Legs added to the bottom of the units give them a furniture feel.
Hardware, lighting: Alexander Marchant; sink: apron front, Shaws; faucet: Hansgrohe
The classic cabinetry combines a flush inset style with modern slab doors. Legs added to the bottom of the units give them a furniture feel.
Hardware, lighting: Alexander Marchant; sink: apron front, Shaws; faucet: Hansgrohe
Interior designer Barbara Granett framed a large map of Paris in raw steel with brass screws behind the breakfast nook. This traditional element, along with the yellow toile upholstered bench, contrasts with the clean-lined and modern Saarinen table, Klismos-style chairs and Jonathan Adler pendant.
Table: Saarinen; map: Oblation Papers
Photographer: Whit Preston
More:
Wonderful Wood Countertops for Kitchens and Bath
More Kitchens of the Week
Table: Saarinen; map: Oblation Papers
Photographer: Whit Preston
More:
Wonderful Wood Countertops for Kitchens and Bath
More Kitchens of the Week
Flooring: Ann Sacks French Blue limestone; display cabinet paint: White Dove, Benjamin Moore; chairs: Donghia; cushion: Fabric.com