KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

STEP INSIDE FOUR KITCHENS AND INTO THE MINDS OF ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERS TO SEE HOW THEY CONCEPTUALISE AND CREATE THEIR OWN FUNCTIONING SPACES.

Photography | DePasquale+Maffini Styling |Francesca Santambrogio

PRACTICAL POETIC CONVIVIAL

MICHELE PASINI | CO-FOUNDER STORAGEMILANO

Milan, Italy

What are three words that describe your kitchen?

Practical, poetic, convivial.

After working in a space of your own design, what element would you repeat in your next kitchen?

Staying detached from the walls and allowing circulation around the elements. Working with furniture and blocks treating them as if they were small architectural elements that play an important role in terms of composition.

Is there a common design element you insist on including when working with clients?

Volumes mainly in metal sheets. That’s a passion of mine.

What detail, in particular, tells the story of your kitchen best?

The blocks and the symmetry, or centrality.

Michele’s kitchen features a stainless steel island in a Scotch-Brite finish. A vintage Luci Pala table lamp features on the left, and a custom-designed ceramic-based lamp by Michele is on the right. The painted ceilings are untouched from when the apartment was first built in 1901, contrasting the otherwise bold interiors.

Jordan Carlyle with husband Mario Margelist

Photography Adrian Gaut Styling Colin King

TIMELESS RUSTIC REFINED

JORDAN CARLYLE | PRINCIPAL CARLYLE DESIGNS

East Hampton, North America

What are three words that describe your kitchen?

Timeless, rustic, refined.

After working in a space of your own design, what element would you repeat in your next kitchen?

In terms of elements, I believe that functionality and simplicity are key. From my experience, having ample storage space, efficient workflows, and intuitive design features are critical for a successful kitchen design. I would also prioritse natural light and views.

What design considerations had to be made when designing a kitchen with rustic and natural materials?

While the rustic feel of this type of kitchen can be charming, it's important to balance it with modern convenience and functionality. One way to do this is by incorporating modern appliances and fixtures that are practical and functional, but still fit with the overall aesthetic. Additionally, you may want to consider lighting, colour schemes and storage solutions that can enhance the practicality and visual appeal of the kitchen.

Jordan and Mario’s kitchen features reclaimed, natural materials, including 400-year-old bar gris limestone floors and oak cabinetry. These materials contrast with black handles and a custom-designed stainless-steel La Cornue range cooker.

Is there a common design element you insist on including when working with clients?

I like to bring a common design element that involves a mix of old and new. I believe that this combination creates a unique and interesting space that reflects the personal style and tastes of the homeowner. This mix of old and new can include elements such as traditional or vintage pieces with modern and contemporary elements, or using natural and reclaimed materials alongside sleek and modern appliances.

What detail, in particular, tells the story of your kitchen best?

The use of rustic reclaimed beams in combination with natural materials such as 400-year-old bar gris limestone floors and oak wood tells the story of my kitchen. This showcases my appreciation for traditional and timeless design elements, as well as my love for natural beauty and the character that comes with using reclaimed materials. The warmth and character added by these elements creates a welcoming and inviting atmosphere that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

Photography Nicolas Mathéus Pictured: Designer Stéphanie Coutas

VERDANT COSY CHEERFUL

STÉPHANIE COUTAS | FOUNDER SC EDITION

Paris, France

What are three words that describe your kitchen?

Verdant, cosy, cheerful.

After working in a space of your own design, what element would you repeat in your next kitchen?

A cosy sitting area for informal and everyday dining and a functional cooking space.

What design considerations had to be made while designing your own kitchen?

We wanted to ensure we were making the best use of the space, so functionality was key while also ensuring it looked elegant and sophisticated.

Is there a common design element you insist on including when working with clients?

I always adapt my kitchen designs according to the lifestyle of my clients. Some of my clients have a chef, and some love to cook themselves; each project is unique and considers all these elements.

What particular detail tells the story of your kitchen best?

I love how the natural swirling green tones of the White Beauty marble combine with the plants on the windowsill. I like to work with the concept of inside/outside, which means the designs work well day and night with natural and artificial lighting scenarios.

In Stéphanie’s kitchen, countertops in swirling green-and-blue marble contrast with oak cabinetry. Mirrored surfaces add intrigue and dimension to the small space. The enamelled stone stools are by ceramist Marc Albert. A sculpture by artist Michel Rico rests on the countertop.

Photography Nicole Franzen Styling Eve Singer from Broyt

MOODY FUNCTIONAL MINIMAL

MARISSA CORVINO | PRINCIPAL AND FOUNDER CORVINO DESIGN

Hoboken, North America

What are three words that describe your kitchen?

Moody, functional, minimal.

After working in a space of your own design, what element would you repeat in your next kitchen?

I always utilise retractable cabinet doors to conceal the noise of appliances, coffee machines and wet bars. When the doors are shut, the space is elegant and quiet but when the doors are open, the nooks become powerhouse stations of the kitchen.

What design considerations had to be made while designing a kitchen within a near-demolished townhouse in Hoboken, New Jersey?

Typically brownstone kitchens are situated at the rear of the brownstone to capitalise on natural light. I designed the floor plan with a central and oversized kitchen and open plan dining room at the rear. Intentionally I wanted the kitchen to feel powerful and visible from other rooms on the floor.

Is there a common design element you insist on including when working with clients?

I always insist that clients can have delicate design elements like natural stone without sacrificing ease of living.

What detail, in particular, tells the story of your kitchen best?

The burgundy Lacanche range reminds me daily of my 3 passions outside of interiors: cooking, entertaining and red wine.

Marrisa’s kitchen features a custom-designed burgundy Lacanche oven, which perfectly matches the veins of the Calacatta Viola island bench while also conveying her passions for cooking, entertaining and red wine. The look is completed by Studio Henry Wilson brass hardware.