A Jewel Box Kitchen
Design cues for this tiny, jewel-box of a kitchen were taken from the architectural details of this 1930'S abode. Necessary were a new layout constrained by load bearing walls, an appropriate color and material palette, fanciful reproduction light fixtures, and a client, who loves to explore culinary whims, willing to have fun with the design.
It starts with a ziggurat archway framing the new kitchen space beautifully when padding down the hall for that first cup of joe. That very motif can be found in subtle ways throughout.
The color palette of soft pale yellow, Ming green with accents of black and grey is indicative of the era. And engineered marble countertops are a nod to the time as are linoleum floors.
A direct view of the refrigerator and broom cabinet from the adjacent Dining Rm is kept interesting by color blocking the cabinetry. This idea is extended to the pantry and wall oven beyond and holds its own against the concentric squares of the flooring.
Crown moulding was kept off the ceiling to keep the entire kitchen looking as if it were transplanted right from the Butler's Pantry of a New York City apartment. Semi-flush light fixtures further the expression of Art Deco with both ziggurat and globe shapes, each with polished chrome trim. And the black stainless steel vent hood suits the space beautifully without bringing in a contemporary stainless-steel vibe.
Because countertop real estate was limited, a mirror-finished induction cooktop was the perfect choice. Unfold a dishtowel and place a cutting board on top and you've reclaimed prep space for mise en place. Faceted glass tile sits behind and adds a bit of sparkle to the honed, full-height marble splash.
To relieve the straight-line geometry throughout the space, a black and cream toile de Jouy fabric was decoupaged to the backside of the pantry's glass cabinet doors. Chicken stock never looked so good!
One benefit of a small kitchen allows for splurging on a few key extras. Here, peg drawers, corner drawers - perfect for long rolls of parchment and cooking utensils, spice drawer (not shown), and a hidden lid drawer within a drawer are utilized. A large single bowl fireclay sink with grid easily allows a sheet pan to sit flat for cleaning and is non-porous and scratch-resistant. A breeze to keep clean and shiny.
Original artwork by Lindsay Goodwin graces the wall and offers a respite for the eye. As well as fond memories for the clients who enjoy culinary weekend trips. Bon Appetit!
Contractor: Neil Adams Construction
Photo Credit: Angie Allen
