dream kitcHens and BatHs For tHe modern sPace

By KIm Carmel

Design

Allen A Ssociates Builders

This remodeled kitchen, with its simplistic, clean lines and oversized, asymmetrical windows, is reminiscent of Eichler’s “atomic ranch” style. Other elements include the classic Shaker style cabinets (by Belmont), Absolute black granite countertops with a brushed finish, and new French oak floors. The result is a space that is bright and light with multiple work surfaces - perfect for cooking an evening meal or entertaining guests. Kitchen Designer: Elizabeth Graham; General Contractor: Allen Associates; Photography: Jim Bartsch.

We spend a lot of time in the kitchen — cooking, eating, doing dishes, and checking in after school and work. We bake cookies with “help” from eager young assistants. We sip coffee and read the news. We master mom’s technique for perfectly roasted chicken while she’s in town for a visit. We laugh about the day’s highlights over a shared bottle of wine and chocolate cake. memories are made here, among the smells and tastes and sounds of food and family.

historically, the kitchen was a mother’s domain, while the rest of the family went to work and school. When mealtime arrived, everyone convened in the dining room, ate, then mom disappeared to clean up while dad and the kids did homework and watched TV. Besides evolved gender roles (thank goodness), much has changed since then. open great room layouts create a fluid connection between cooking, eating and living spaces. The person preparing a meal is no longer isolated from the rest of the family. dad can sauté garlic while commenting on the football game, and mom can help with homework while waiting for the oven timer to chime.

Today’s kitchen is also the entertainment hub, says architect dave mendro of Carpinteria-based Neumann mendro Andrulaitis Architects. “At most parties I go to these days, including my own, people love to congregate around the kitchen. The preparation of food has become an integral part of the social scene.” Traditional galley kitchens may win on efficiency, he notes, but aren’t as conducive to social interaction. A kitchen island centralizes the sink, stove and countertop space within the room, and typically integrates some form of barstool seating. “This allows cooks and guests to gather and face each other in conversation with the preparation of food as a backdrop.” most kitchen islands fall into one of two aesthetic categories – those that fit in,

As our kitchen function has expanded, so have the demands we place on our islands. Today’s islands are larger than in the past, with more room for seating and more utility. In some cases, nearly all washing, chopping and cooking take place on the island, while the rest of the kitchen serves as a subdued backdrop and storage area. While function improves, form follows close behind. modern kitchen islands are more beautiful than ever, mendro explains, with high-end design treatments such as waterfall ends, flush glass or stainless steel surfaces, and exquisite custom wood cabinetry.

The Kitchen Company

and those that deliberately stand out. Islands that blend integrate the same cabinetry, countertops and finishes as used in the surrounding kitchen. This versatile approach has a timeless, fluid look and can be easily updated later with new fixtures or hardware, for example. This is a popular look, and also a good choice for first-time remodelers.

Another option – highlighting the island through a contrasting style, form, color or combination of these – requires a bit more design expertise but can have a stunning effect. If choosing a contrasting color for the island, try to pick up that same shade elsewhere in the kitchen – in the backsplash tiles or in the curtain fabric, for example. Because an island stands separate from the walls of the kitchen, it can have a more freeform shape. Just be sure to consider where you plan on installing appliances, mendro warns, since they are typically designed to fit into standard, rectangular cabinetry. Varying the countertop material (butcher block or marble, perhaps) or adding embellishments to the base (decorative hooks, cookbook shelves, etc.) can boost your island’s visual interest and functionality.

Whatever your island style, proper lighting is crucial. overhead task lighting, usually hanging pendants or a vertical chandelier, is best for illuminating island workspaces. With so many styles available today – from huge, industrial-looking metal spotlights to diminutive hand-blown Venetian glass pendants – your lighting options are almost limitless. Spend some time finding something you like, and don’t be afraid to go bold.

once your island is dressed, lit and ready to perform, it’s time to get the party started. After all, the kitchen is where the action is. “even though we have a large family, everyone tends to hang out in the kitchen more than any other space in our home – whether we’re making breakfast or dinner, doing homework, reading the paper, or just talking about our day,” mendro says of his own island kitchen. “There is something very easy and comforting about gathering in the kitchen with the family.”

Source:

Dave Mendro Architect / Partner Neumann Mendro Andrulaitis Architects,

LLP

PH: (805) 684-8885 dave@NMAarchitects.com

SANTA BARBARA DESIGN AND BUILD

This kitchen was designed for a couple who love to cook and entertain in the hills above Santa Barbara. The design includes:

Custom maple cabinets

Wide plank oak floors

Island with contrasting color (from the perimeter cabinets) and seating area

Granite countertops stainless steel appliances specialty built ins

Cabinets are maple and the floors are wide plank oak.

Michelle Lang, AIA

SANTA BARBARA DESIGN & BUILD www.santabarbaradesignandbuild.com

HAYWARD DESIGN CENTER

PROJECTS BY GIFFIN & CRANE

This Santa Barbara kitchen remodel began by installing shaker-style, paint-grade cabinetry finished with a five-step paint and glazing process. The base cabinets were topped with Caesarstone countertops in a soft “Champagne Limestone” color. While the base cabinets were subtle, the island was not. The casual dining island was topped with a dark grey Soapstone countertop and the base received a painted stencil around the perimeter of it using an aged checker pattern adding charm with a vintage flavor. Projects www.projectsgc.com 805-682-2226

MOSAIC ARCHITECTS

This captivating kitchen is the heart of the home, enjoying an elegant open plan and lofty wood ceiling. Mosaic balanced beauty and function, providing durable Caesarstone countertops and a granite seating island. www.mosaicarchitects.com

Mosaic Architects

Simple symmetry and a soothing color palette create a master bath that is a spa-like oasis. Textured stone tile walls contrast other smooth textures to create a special retreat. www.mosaicarchitects.com