RETAILOBSERVER.COM MARCH 2022
12
SECOND PLACE / LARGE CONTEMPORARY KITCHEN
Kristin Petro, Owner
Kristin Petro Interiors
Photo: Kristin Petro
Yorkshire —
I started this kitchen design with a focus on scale and
proportion. Given the twelve-foot ceilings, the challenge was to
fill the volume of the space while making it feel comfortable and
accessible. With such a tall ceiling, I considered the negative
space as much as the positive to create interest and depth.
The direction I was given from the clients was to provide a large
entertaining space for extended family and friends, so I designed
the walkway spaces to be generous and accommodating.
I included accessible storage with open cubbies on both ends
of the range wall and, to accommodate glassware storage, I
designed a hidden push-latch cabinet door in close proximity to
the dishwasher. A built-in bar and glass-front wine closet are
located near the dining table to allow for clear access away from
the prep and clean-up space while entertaining.
Editing was extremely important in this design. I wanted to
avoid too many competing elements, so the fixtures and finishes
were thoughtfully chosen to complement each other. Again,
priority was given to the scale of items. The oversized island
pendant provides balance to the large window on one wall and
the focal-point hood on the other wall.
I wanted mainly to incorporate natural materials but rendered
within a contemporary design.
The backsplash and countertops are natural stone, and the
kitchen cabinets are stained Walnut. These elements juxtaposed
with the sleek metal brass hood, metal glass-front bar cabinets
and modern appliances to create a tension that I think gives the
space energy. I focused on texture over pattern for most of the
finishes other than the dramatic quartzite island which stands on
its own while still coordinating with the other finishes.
With the abundance of natural light and the light White Oak
wood flooring, I selected many dark finishes to give the kitchen a
feeling of warmth and to help create balance.
I think the result of this effort is a modern but natural space that
feels comfortable and affecting at the same time.
