Retail Observer

Modern Nostalgia — The objective of this project was to enlarge and open a tight galley kitchen to the living and dining areas of a small apartment within a modest budget; to create a work of functional art for entertaining, yet comfortable for daily life which includes working from home and frequent baking; to find a clean solution for ceiling lighting on a concrete ceiling; and to marry the homeowner's nostalgic interest in Mid Century Modern design sparked by his grandmother's city home with a contemporary aesthetic. We enclosed the gas range with stainless steel-clad walls to isolate cooking odors and contain existing gas and mechanical risers. An integrated refrigerator stands next to the column. Both are clad in the same walnut, creating a singular visual "column." We replaced the floors with wide plank white oak for a clean, clear backdrop for the kitchen, and a double-door pantry with outlets provides extra storage space. Walnut millwork, black countertop, and steel cladding provide character while white flip-up upper cabinets and a back-painted glass backsplash lighten the wall. Wood fins now line the ceiling, creating a natural-feeling home for linear LED lighting. The fins melt down the face of the stainless steel-clad wall on one end and pour down to the floor at the other end. Under-cabinet strip outlets offer convenience without clutter. Green Great Room — As part of a whole house remodel and top floor addition to a 1950s split level, the entry level was reimagined, removing the walls that cut off the kitchen from living and dining functions adjacent. The old kitchen was small, isolated, and could barely fit more than one cook at a time. North windows and a door faced a neighbor who was 10 feet away, a notable privacy issue with diminutive incremental benefit. The old plan had breakfast room table space within the kitchen, while a dining table was only steps away. The living room lacked a focal point. Afterward, the kitchen is now completely open to living and dining, as the significantly larger windows to the east and south allow sunshine to brighten every morning together. Filling in diminutive north windows gave more wall space for cabinets and shelves, while the two new skylights over sink and cooktop enhance the already brilliant natural light streaming in all day. The dining table is now used for all meals, with a breakfast bar available as well on the sizeable kitchen island, allowing cooks and guests to interact with plenty of room to spare. A new gas fireplace was added, centered on sink and cooktop to serve as a focal point. The exterior brickwork was brought inside to clad it, with floating precast concrete mantel and hearth. SECOND PLACE / SMALL CONTEMPORARY KITCHEN THIRD PLACE / SMALL CONTEMPORARY KITCHEN Andrew Mikhael, Owner Andrew Mikhael Architect Photo: Brad Dickson Doug Walter, CMKBD, Owner Doug Walter Architects Co-Designer: Katy Skye Booream Katy Skye Interiors Photo: Philip Wegener MARCH 2022 RETAILOBSERVER.COM 37

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