Kitchen Design
Eat-In Kitchen in Los Angeles Reclaims Traditional Style
A family undertakes a 2-year remodel to create a kitchen that combines new and old materials
Reclaimed and authentic materials: The style goal was to create a kitchen that read “old-world traditional,” Van Halen says. The designers chose high-quality materials and appliances that would look timeless and neutral in the space and stand up to daily wear and tear.
The team also used reclaimed materials wherever possible. The most obvious example: the full-size Chicago bricks on the feature wall.
When reclaimed materials weren’t available, the designers used pieces that looked authentic. Items like the kitchen table set, exposed ceiling beams and Aga range are new but have a traditional feel.
Some elements, such as the flooring, were treated to match original materials. For example, the team had red oak custom-milled and stained to match the flooring in other parts of the home.
Chef’s fridge: The Sub-Zero refrigerator was a special request by the client, who wanted it for both its size and its looks. The height of the fridge makes the most of the vaulted ceilings. The homeowners are committed to being organized and environmentally friendly in the kitchen, and having a glass-front refrigerator reminds them of that commitment every day.
Flooring: quarter-sawn stained red oak; refrigerator: Pro 48 with glass door, Sub-Zero; browse refrigerators
The team also used reclaimed materials wherever possible. The most obvious example: the full-size Chicago bricks on the feature wall.
When reclaimed materials weren’t available, the designers used pieces that looked authentic. Items like the kitchen table set, exposed ceiling beams and Aga range are new but have a traditional feel.
Some elements, such as the flooring, were treated to match original materials. For example, the team had red oak custom-milled and stained to match the flooring in other parts of the home.
Chef’s fridge: The Sub-Zero refrigerator was a special request by the client, who wanted it for both its size and its looks. The height of the fridge makes the most of the vaulted ceilings. The homeowners are committed to being organized and environmentally friendly in the kitchen, and having a glass-front refrigerator reminds them of that commitment every day.
Flooring: quarter-sawn stained red oak; refrigerator: Pro 48 with glass door, Sub-Zero; browse refrigerators
Style: The homeowners wanted to avoid an all-white palette and designs that were too trendy. “We really wanted to keep the design scheme authentic, which means keeping it simple, with keen attention to detail,” Van Halen says.
Design adjustments: Another client request resulted in a design adjustment near the sink. The homeowners wanted a chopping block of a specific size, which required the team to move and reframe the window over the sink.
“Although we had a set of plans, the kitchen itself was an ever-evolving endeavor that ended up being revised on-site on a daily basis in order to achieve the final result,” Van Halen says. By having open lines of communication with the clients, the team was able to navigate any obstacles or changes quickly.
Sink: Harborview, Kohler
“Although we had a set of plans, the kitchen itself was an ever-evolving endeavor that ended up being revised on-site on a daily basis in order to achieve the final result,” Van Halen says. By having open lines of communication with the clients, the team was able to navigate any obstacles or changes quickly.
Sink: Harborview, Kohler
Storage: Since the goal was to create a traditional kitchen, open cabinets were a logical choice, Van Halen says. On the coffee bar that sits on the wall across from the sink, you can see that the top portion serves as a hutch while the bottom offers drawer space. The family keeps everyday dishes here for easy access.
Wall and cabinet paint: Pointing, Farrow & Ball; cabinets: custom-made by KellyBaron Design/Build; browse white kitchen cabinetry
Wall and cabinet paint: Pointing, Farrow & Ball; cabinets: custom-made by KellyBaron Design/Build; browse white kitchen cabinetry
Baking station: The family now has built-in shelves on the other side of the room near the sink, an area that serves as a baking station nook. Although the homeowners wanted to keep wood countertops throughout, they plan to add a marble counter where the mixer sits because the cool stone is good for rolling out dough.
Food pantry: The walk-in pantry by the baking station holds food, extra dishes and utensils, and small appliances. This is a family of avid readers, and although a full library was built in another part of the house, bookshelves were added on either side of the pantry doorway to hold books related to cooking and travel.
The design team added a transom window above the door because it’s a traditional design element and highlights the pendant light inside the pantry.
The design team added a transom window above the door because it’s a traditional design element and highlights the pendant light inside the pantry.
Butler’s pantry: This pantry can be accessed through the kitchen, and a swinging door on the other end (shown here) leads to the dining room. The butler pantry’s position makes it the perfect place to prepare for and clean up after entertaining guests.
Cabinets on either side of the room store formal flatware, dishes, glasses and platters. An integrated dishwasher is also hiding in this room, and the high-gloss finish on the wood counters make it a functional and elegant space.
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Cabinets on either side of the room store formal flatware, dishes, glasses and platters. An integrated dishwasher is also hiding in this room, and the high-gloss finish on the wood counters make it a functional and elegant space.
More
Kitchen Workbook: 15 Elements of a Traditional Kitchen
Read more stories about kitchen makeovers
Shop for kitchen products
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A family with two kids
Location: Los Angeles
Size: 500 square feet (46 square meters), which includes kitchen, pantry and butler’s pantry
Designers: Kelly Van Halen and Baron Rogers of KellyBaron Design/Build
Backstory: The homeowners needed an eat-in kitchen that was family-friendly and inviting. As people who love to cook and bake, it was important to them that the area be as functional as it was beautiful. The family hired Kelly Van Halen and Baron Rogers of KellyBaron Design/Build to handle the designing, building and decorating of the project. What started as a one-room addition turned into a renovation that lasted just under two years.
“It was a labor of love,” Van Halen says. “Although one of the longest jobs we have designed and built, it was also without a doubt one of the most enjoyable and creative, due mostly to the clients’ enthusiasm and input throughout.”
Part of the renovation included the creation of an enclosed kitchen with a food pantry and butler’s pantry.
Floor plan: The original kitchen was too small and inefficient for the family. The most important thing for Van Halen and Rogers was understanding the clients’ use of the space and making every detail intentional.
“We really took our time listening to the client with regards to everything, from how many baking stations will there be to who will be doing the dishes,” Van Halen says. “This is all relevant as to how to compose the overall design and layout of the space.”
The designers sketched out the plans, making tweaks and changes as the project unfolded.