| NJHome
the space, while the oversized, 36-inch Kohler farmhouse sink breaks up the long run of countertop below the impressive windows. Although the row of windows let in light all during the day, nighttime illumination posed a dilemma: Any lights put in the vault would lose their brilliance by the time they reached the countertop surface. Installing pendants would require extremely long cords and would interfere with the wonderful window views. Also, the expanse of windows along this wall allowed no wall space into which to set lights. So, in a lightbulb moment, Hufnagel suggested placing sconces in the wooden divider between the upper and lower windows. “This solved the problem and added to the charm of the place,” she says. “They look right at home, bringing light over the long run of countertop along the windows.” Such creative problem solving and collaboration among all parties involved proved essential for the successful outcome. “Working with Ulrich on the kitchen and Woodro on the construction in order to balance design with the clients’ goals is what made this such a truly great project,” says Martin. Giving high praise to all the professionals who worked to create the bright and uplifting kitchen, the homeowners couldn’t agree more. “The transformation of the space is remarkable,” the homeowner says. “People walk in and exclaim, ‘Wow, it is truly a beautiful space!’” “Photos don’t do it justice,” says Hufnagel. “You feel like you’re in a lovely chalet in the woods when you stand in the space.”
58
in the island, even though it was going to be 10½ feet from the range top. I suggested a 36-inch-wide sink—we used a farmhouse style—which visually gave the sink some ‘presence’ and made the distance to the range top seem less. “The kitchen was basically for the clients’ enjoyment and entertainment purposes,” the designer continues. “Leaving the island surface uninterrupted by any sink or cooking fixtures allows them to use the entire island as a buffet when entertaining.” Along with placement, balance and proportion were also key considerations. “Because the room is long, it was important to us that the kitchen design be symmetrical,” the homeowner notes. The fireplace “wall” originally housed an oven. Since the wall structure was to remain, a new Wolf double oven was situated in the same place to avoid altering the brickwork. All of the functional aspects of the kitchen—appliances and storage—had to be on the short runs of the limited wall space. Hufnagel thoughtfully planned out the locations of specific stations—a cooking center, a cleanup section and food storage areas—to ensure everything fit together within a balanced, cohesive layout. Given the 20-foot length between the two functional ends, Hufnagel needed to create a convenient flow that would “not require roller skates.” Her solution: She kept the storage—refrigeration and pantry—at one end, and the cooking, near the ovens, at the other. In between, the large island in gray-stained wood tones centers
GAL.w21.ulrich greenwald.indd 58
11/1/21 12:28 PM
