Retail Observer

MARCH 2024 RETAILOBSERVER.COM 11 Tranquil Terra Cotta — The kitchen was small for the size of this luxury custom home, functional but lacking in the design attention that had clearly been paid to the rest of the home. The homeowners wanted a grand kitchen that would be a showpiece in their home but would also allow more space to prepare meals for large gatherings. Design solutions included: a 20' addition with a large working pantry at the far end with French doors to the back patio; an arched doorway for access to formal dining roome; a full wall of windows in the kitchen to make it light filled and inviting; mixed metal finishes, medium-tone woods, warm-toned quartzite countertops, and warm white cabinets tie in with the finishes in the rest of the house; a large custom-made hood. The existing terra cotta floor was meticulously saved and expanded into the new space to create a seamless transition from the existing house into the addition. Somerset — The design objectives centered around celebrating the large area with 12-ft ceilings, enhancing exterior and adjacent interior views, and on maximizing functionality and storage while balancing proportion and symmetry. The cooking hearth is a commanding presence, enveloped in beveled black oak paneling. Housed within this elevation is a 60" range, microwave, and convection steam oven. The cleanup/prep Island boasts a workstation-style sink, dishwasher, and trash cabinet. An additional island with dining for five also houses a warming drawer. The outer island provides for family meals and serves as a congregation point. The crown jewel of this design is the tall hutch island that bridges the divide between the kitchen and living room, offering butler pantry storage on one side and a refreshment bar on the living room side. Its design echoes the cooking hearth's aesthetic, forming a visual dialogue between these functional focal points. Materials and finishes were chosen to create synergy between modern aesthetics and rustic elements, such as the existing ceiling beams. The Rift white oak cabinetry in a "malt" stain and contrasting matte black paint lend a contemporary edge. It is a celebration of space, light, materiality, and innovation. SECOND PLACE / LARGE KITCHEN OVER 300 SQ. FT. THIRD PLACE / LARGE KITCHEN OVER 300 SQ. FT. James E. Howard & Kelly Johnson Glen Alspaugh Co LLP Photo: Alise O'Brien Photography Hannah Hacker, CMKBD Adapt Interior Design Photo: Meagan Larsen Photography

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