SUNSET STRIP/HOLLYWOOD HILLS
Presented by Jade Mills Cover story on page 2
March 19 – March 25, 2011
| PAGE 19
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from INSIDE OUT
Conversations on Interior Design
bulthaup turns down the heat
THE KITCHEN CABINETRY THAT HIDES CLUTTER IN PLAIN SIGHT By Adele Cygelman | www.domain-la.com
Attention all neatniks. If you own a loft or a sleek modern home or if you simply hate clutter, especially in the kitchen, bulthaup has a cabinetry system just for you. The German manufacturer has had a Los Angeles showroom since 1991, but this year it has renovated the space to reflect the shifts in the home over the past two decades and to introduce its latest b3 line of multifunctional cabinets. The floors are paler, in wide-plank bleached American oak. The display areas have been enlarged to mimic the dine-in kitchens and great rooms that consumers have in their homes. “The culture of food, thanks to celebrity chefs and TV shows, has changed the way people cook and eat,” says showroom manager Charlotte Myhr. “Everyone wants a space where they can live, work, eat and play. The traditional dining room is disappearing, and we wanted the showroom to reflect these changes.” The cabinetry, which comes in three product groups—b1, b2 and b3—ranges from all-white laminates to a dark, masculine aluminum with a flat satin finish. “It’s been interesting watching the evolution of cabinetry,” says Myhr. “When we opened it was all maple and black granite. In the late 90s it was cherry. Then dark wenge wood was hot for the longest time. Now everyone wants walnut, which is soft and warm. And we’re starting to see a lot of all-white.” Not surprisingly, architects love the line for its minimalist clean lines, precise engineering and integrated appliances. Their clients, who typically work in the entertainment, music or fashion industries, appreciate the aesthetics too, but are more impressed with the ease of use. “We design the space with our clients and their needs in mind to help them organize themselves better,” says Myhr. “We like to plan a really functional kitchen so there are no excuses for untidiness!” To celebrate its 20th anniversary in February, bulthaup invited chef Ludo Lefebvre to cook in the center kitchen. It was the perfect opportunity to see the new space and Gaggenau appliances in action, a choreographed ballet of foodie fantasies. The good news: when your own bulthaup kitchen is complete, bulthaup will hold a dinner party or wine tasting in your home. bulthaup 153 South Robertson Boulevard, 310.288.3875 www.losangeles.bulthaup.com