The phrase “don’t sweat the details” doesn’t sit well with us. Never did. Most of our agitation is due to what we know about amazing design: Homes with the perfect dash of detailing are often the finest. We’re not talking about gold-plated faucets or platinum doorknobs for the attic — extravagance doesn’t equal smarts. Instead, we’re referring to the marriage of aesthetics and practicality, and no other room in the house better defines this combination than the kitchen.
Full disclosure: Our own design team, led by Karen Smith, rolled up their sleeves on this one, as they took a few of our favorite kitchens and erased the ingredients that make the spaces special so we could demonstrate just how important those features are. The exercise was a blast, and we’re happy to share our “before” and “after” images.
Rock Solid
Before
A) The stove sits in a natural-stone alcove that anchors the kitchen and adds yet another natural element to a wood-heavy setting.
B) Task lighting is crucial in the kitchen, especially above food-prep areas. These pendants toss a soft glow on the kitchen island and look right at home dangling from a timber beam.
C) Storage is crucial in the kitchen, so why not house your cooking essentials and homemade jams in style? Frosted glass, framed by wood that mimics the color of the timbers, looks classic in this space.
D) Slate flagstone flooring offers sturdy simplicity, warmth and a natural contrast to the honey-toned timbers.
E) Carving storage out of the most unexpected places is a boon to kitchen efficiency.
After
Cozy Dining
Before
A) Transforming a run-of-the-mill kitchen into a dining sanctuary, this space brims with charm and enough elbowroom to eat, linger and enjoy this light-filled space.
B) A long window to the sink’s right proves that there’s never too much light.
C) A television in the kitchen isn’t exactly going to win design awards, but the unobtrusiveness of the TV is what we like the most. Plus, you can catch ESPN from the dining nook every morning. The range hood also makes this space shine.
D) Cabinetry better have a purpose, and these do — they look smart and offer additional storage close to the dining nook.
E) Shelving for cookbooks, knickknacks and personal curios always adds an element of charm to kitchen space.
After
Farmhouse Classic
Before
A) A bridge between cabinetry visually links each side of the room, provides a frame for the window and sink, and serves as a platform for character-adding antiques.
B) Custom-made lamps — affixed to the room’s beams — solve the challenge of intimate lighting in a high-ceiling space.
C) A farmhouse sink establishes a classic aesthetic that serves as the kitchen’s overarching theme.
After
D) Subtle, timeworn tile that reaches as high as the window presents a lovely backdrop that doesn’t try to compete with the room’s bold crimson and browns.
Light & Bright
Before
A) The addition of gorgeous stone flooring to the kitchen’s limited square footage sets it off from the dining area and living room — a transition that works wonderfully.
B) Large, bright windows save this space by providing lots of natural light and a nice commingling of indoor and outdoor spaces.
C) Despite the kitchen’s natural light, this is one dark, woodsy space — adding glass to the front of cabinets ushers more color into the room and saves you from guessing what’s behind door number 3.
D) As common as running water, the microwave isn’t exactly an attractive or easy-to-fit appliance; tucking it away from the heart of the room — but above the stove — is smart planning.
After
Symmetry All Around
Before
A) Windows that mimic the shape of the room not only allow extra light to spill into the space, but also add visual symmetry.
B) Of course, not everything has to be symmetrical. The varying heights of the cabinetry on either side of the sink showcase the timber and are within easy reach of the counter’s food-prep areas.
C) Timber beams serve as outstanding stages for earthenware vases.
After
| Published in the April 2009 issue of Timber Home Living. |
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