Kitchen of the Week: Open and Gray Save the Day
A workhorse island replaces an awkward storage tower, and a neutral palette brings a balance of cool and warm tones
Karen Egly-Thompson
September 23, 2016
Houzz Contributor
Kitchen islands increase storage and work surface. But the original island in this kitchen got only half that formula right. Sure, the stacked wall of cabinets offered plenty of storage, but its near floor-to-ceiling configuration meant you couldn’t see over it, and it didn’t provide space for prep work or serving meals. But the good thing about walls is that they can always be torn down.
Before Photo
Photos by Andrew Pece
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple and their two daughters
Location: Tustin, California
Size: 300 square feet (28 square meters)
Designer: Lauren O’Connor of Sanctuary Design
BEFORE: This photo taken from the living room shows the previous kitchen and its stacked-cabinet island configuration. “Unfortunately, you couldn’t see the person standing across the island — and there wasn’t enough countertop space to prep meals or serve a small buffet,” says designer Lauren O’Connor, who worked with the homeowners to update the entire kitchen.
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple and their two daughters
Location: Tustin, California
Size: 300 square feet (28 square meters)
Designer: Lauren O’Connor of Sanctuary Design
BEFORE: This photo taken from the living room shows the previous kitchen and its stacked-cabinet island configuration. “Unfortunately, you couldn’t see the person standing across the island — and there wasn’t enough countertop space to prep meals or serve a small buffet,” says designer Lauren O’Connor, who worked with the homeowners to update the entire kitchen.
Before Photo
BEFORE: Here’s another partial look at the towering island, at the right of the photo. The cabinets were in good shape so O’Connor recycled them to be used in another home.
AFTER: O’Connor completely reconfigured the kitchen layout, with priority given to opening up the space and spreading out the storage through a workhorse island. For example, she replaced a corner pantry with 36-inch-high base cabinets with pullouts on the side of the island that faces the sink.
For continuity and a less choppy look, she installed custom cabinets up to the ceiling around the perimeter. The new island features outlets for small appliances and a built-in microwave, shown here on the end. Its expansive countertop is interrupted only by a small prep sink, giving the homeowners tons of new work surface. Plus, the removal of the island tower created unobstructed views through the kitchen and into the dining area.
Custom cabinetry: Durham, Plato Woodwork; white cabinet paint color: Arctic White with Gray Glaze, Plato Woodwork; island cabinetry: Dover, Plato Woodwork; island cabinet paint color: Shadow with Brushed Black Glaze, Plato Woodwork
For continuity and a less choppy look, she installed custom cabinets up to the ceiling around the perimeter. The new island features outlets for small appliances and a built-in microwave, shown here on the end. Its expansive countertop is interrupted only by a small prep sink, giving the homeowners tons of new work surface. Plus, the removal of the island tower created unobstructed views through the kitchen and into the dining area.
Custom cabinetry: Durham, Plato Woodwork; white cabinet paint color: Arctic White with Gray Glaze, Plato Woodwork; island cabinetry: Dover, Plato Woodwork; island cabinet paint color: Shadow with Brushed Black Glaze, Plato Woodwork
O’Connor and the homeowners agreed on a neutral white and gray palette that would offer flexibility in adding color through artwork and holiday accessories. To add visual interest, the designer played with color temperature and contrast. Cool tones in the white periphery cabinets and gray countertop encircle the warmer-toned gray island with light-beige quartzite countertop. Oversized pendant lights with coppery interiors and brass accents provide further warmth. “It may feel like a stretch for some clients, but dramatic lighting is probably the most user-friendly way to add big personality to a space,” O’Connor says. Refinished maple floors offer additional contrast.
Perimeter countertop: Avalon, polished by PentalQuartz; island countertop: Waterfall quartzite natural stone, antiqued; refrigerator: Thermador; pendant lights: Altamont, Hudson Valley Lighting
Perimeter countertop: Avalon, polished by PentalQuartz; island countertop: Waterfall quartzite natural stone, antiqued; refrigerator: Thermador; pendant lights: Altamont, Hudson Valley Lighting
In lieu of traditional tables and chairs, a built-in banquette offers maximum space efficiency for the family’s frequent get-togethers; it can seat up to eight people. The homeowners lived on a boat early in their marriage and, inspired by boat storage efficiency, incorporated those ideas into the banquette design. Large under-seat drawers store larger items like serving dishes and paper towels. Pine shiplap on the walls and inset nautical drawer pulls offer subtle nods to the nautical style as well.
Roman shades: Waterfall Woven Wood Shade in Dune Bryce, The Shade Store; pendant light: Beatty, Hudson Valley Lighting; clock: purchased by client
Roman shades: Waterfall Woven Wood Shade in Dune Bryce, The Shade Store; pendant light: Beatty, Hudson Valley Lighting; clock: purchased by client
For the backsplash, two rows of 3-by-6-inch white marble tiles stack in an offset pattern on a row of 4-by-6-inch white marble tiles, all capped by a marble profile trim. Above, a decorative border of marble tile with a hand-painted floral motif lends a graphic element.
Shaws fireclay farmhouse sink, Rohl; faucets: Jacobean Collection in polished nickel, Newport Brass; custom striped shade: Medina #5200 in Carbon (body) and Cameron #4716 in Brownstone (border), Pindler
Shaws fireclay farmhouse sink, Rohl; faucets: Jacobean Collection in polished nickel, Newport Brass; custom striped shade: Medina #5200 in Carbon (body) and Cameron #4716 in Brownstone (border), Pindler
The decorative tile makes a more pronounced appearance above the six-burner range. Drawers underneath the range hide pots and pans. The custom wood hood has secret compartments. Its “panels” are actually doors that open to reveal stemware storage. For easy access, spice racks affix to the backs of the upper cabinet doors on each side of the range. Farther down the wall sit a built-in wall oven and steam oven.
Oven, steam oven and range: Thermador; pot filler: Jacobean Collection in polished nickel, Newport Brass
Oven, steam oven and range: Thermador; pot filler: Jacobean Collection in polished nickel, Newport Brass
An open shelf on the island stores cookbooks. The slim tower in the background to the left of the banquette serves as a micro office of sorts, with a charging station, storage cubbies and drawers. Additionally, a portion of the banquette seating holds a standard-size filing cabinet.
More storage is found on this end of the island. From this view, you can glimpse the subtle black glazing that was applied over the gray paint.
The floor plan shows the newly reconfigured space. The banquette seating has since been built in. The door at the bottom of the drawing leads to the living room.
An elevation view of the range wall shows the cabinet and door configuration.
This elevation shows the sink wall and new island configuration.
General contractor: Randy Denos; finish carpentry: Jim Staab; stone and tile: Suncoast Tile and Fabrication; paint and finishing: Paul Trujillo
See more Kitchens of the Week
General contractor: Randy Denos; finish carpentry: Jim Staab; stone and tile: Suncoast Tile and Fabrication; paint and finishing: Paul Trujillo
See more Kitchens of the Week
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looks like they don't mind bending over, storage under all nook seats, books under the counter, microwave almost on the floor.....
I have similar features-Microwave under counter which I prefer so that it is not on the counter or above the stove which would be hazardous and easy to access for kids; Storage under banquette seating certainly is not for everyday items but rather just extra storage like batteries to recycle or gift bags, paper towels, etc.
I see a great amount of ease of access for every day use items.
I think its elegant and a beautiful blend of modern and traditional.
I have a cushion on our banquette and its a favorite place for everyone and our dog, looking out the window open.
Beautiful! How do the homeowners like their Newport Brass Jacobean faucet?