Front Porch the
spring 2015
wichita
The Art of Cultivating Simple Pleasures and Living Well
Ingredients for a gourmet kitchen
E
ver since the mid-twentieth century, the kitchen has worked hard to become the new hub of social interaction in the home. It’s no surprise, then, that it is given the utmost design consideration. Whether you want to build a brand-new kitchen or remodel an existing one, let us approach the design process as we would a three-course meal. How do you want to improve your kitchen? Begin with an idea book as an antipasto to wet your creative appetite. As you peruse the latest home remodel magazines and design blogs, save clippings in a binder or start a virtual scrapbook of photos online. There are so many things to consider with any kitchen remodel. Appliances, cabinets, countertops, tile, Continued on page 10.
Zesty citrus provides inspiration and bursts of color and taste on plate and palate. See page 14 for recipes.
Thoughtful, modern home design, like an award-winning menu, is an amazing blend of textures, colors, and styles that has rescued the kitchen from the closed-off utility room it once was and made it the centerpiece of the home. Clockwise from upper left: 1] Like an exotic blend of spices, the color palette of this kitchen adds dimension, interest, and pop. Featured elements include a farm sink, Shaker-style cabinets with contemporary pulls and handles, stainless steel appliances, and glass tiles that pull everything together with a unique combination of black, gray, and translucent green. Similar to a fusion recipe, the mix of styles does not disrupt the flow, proving that traditional and modern elements can mingle quite harmoniously, especially when carefully crafted by the talented team of Guthridge Nighswonger. 2] Kitchen Tune-Up designed this simple cooking space with a smart-looking duo of cool gray slab doors on the base cabinets and crisp white mission doors on the upper cabinets. The translucent glass oversized subway tile backsplash is embossed with a crocodile print. An accent wall, painted plum, lends a soothing, appetizing tone. The homeowners added their own eclectic touch with art from their favorite local artists. 3] Contrasts and layers work effectively here, drawing the eye to different parts of this stunning kitchen designed and created as part of a whole house addition by Kitchen & Bath Gallery. Light granite counter space and backsplash divide the rich wood tones of the knotty alder cabinetry. The island’s maple woodwork, given a custom paint and glaze finish, glows beneath the dark countertop made of double-stacked granite with a chiseled edge. Against the backdrop of these monochromatic earth tones, bright red pendant lamps designed by the homeowner and made by a friend, garnish the setting in a very personal way.
number 23 2 Noteworthy: harvesting history, taste, and beauty with heirloom seeds 2 Shades of Green: ultrasonic science takes on a delicate cleaning task 4 Peaceable Kingdom: a beloved bird greets the season with a cheery song
6 On The Porch: a porch inspired by travels invites passersby to visit