Kitchen & Bath Business - July/August 2017 - 88

KITCHEN FOR ENTERTAINING

RIGHT The adjoining island-

The previous closed-off space with a lowered ceil- height table offers seating for
ing included a late 70s design original to the house seven+ and can double as
with old framed cabinets, appliances that didn't a buffet or working surface
when the homeowners host
work, dark fluorescent lighting and a small, dys- large gatherings.
functional island.
Comfy and contemporary
"We opened up the space by eliminating a leather barstools offer ample
staircase to a mezzanine area the homeowners seating and fully tuck in while
never used, which allowed us to accommodate entertaining larger parties.
the higher ceilings," said Ashlee Richardson, lead BELOW The countertops
designer of Nar Design Group. "The living room, offer the marble look with the
and finish of Dekton,
which was previously sunken, now ties into the durability
which is made of quartz, porkitchen via a long table and a bistro bar area to celain and glass particles.
create one large living and entertaining area all on
the same level."
For the kitchen, the clients wanted classic and
sleek - nothing too modern or traditional. The
design team chose a frameless white cabinet style
with an island in contrasting gray and green tones.
Warmth was achieved with the table top attached to
the island and the walnut accents in the upper cabinets, table legs and floating
shelves in the bistro area.
"We tied in blue teal accents in the open cubby above the walnut cabinets
and the back wall of the bar," said Richardson, who explained that the shade
is the clients' happy color.
The window at the sink was expanded in the new space for an optimal
view of the backyard and patio. The faceted, quilted pattern of the cabinet
hardware picks up the lighting in the kitchen, which includes task, soffits and
large pendants over the island hung at various heights. A smaller pendant over
the main sink resembles a large whisk for a whimsical element.
ISLAND ADVANTAGES

Both the island countertop and table are made of Dekton, and the merging
of the two was originally going to be a straight-seam connection. Principal
designer Nar Bustamante saw the opportunity for a different concept.

"Dovetailing two stone materials was something our fabricators had never
done before, but we love how they are always open to the new challenges and
concepts we throw at them,"said Richardson."This detail has become one of
the clients' favorite parts of the entire kitchen!"
The front of the multifunctional island accommodates an induction cooktop and downdraft, large drawers for pot storage, spice pullouts on either side
of the cooktop and additional drawers on both sides. The island's right side
encompasses a microwave drawer and towel bar. The back features a beverage refrigerator, as well as the "doggie station," an open, recessed area for the
family pet's water and food bowls and storage for food, treats and leashes.
MASTER BATH MASTERY

The couple's former small bathroom featured a sunken tub they never used.
The updated floor plan - part of an addition to the overall home - includes a
large soaking tub, a barrier-free glass shower and his-and-hers floating vanities. A gradient of three shades of blue is seen on the vanities, framed mirrors
and walls for a spa-like, serene feel. The floors, tub surround, shower walls
and backsplash are all done in a marble-grained tile, while the countertops
are a solid surface-engineered quartz in soft gray. Simple LED wall sconces
were implemented because, according to Richardson, side lights are more
flattering than those overhead.
The floating vanities, which she says are a combination of modern and
classic, offer the ample storage space and function the couple desired. Both
units feature large, deep drawers; a grooming pullout with stainless steel bins
for hot appliances; power on the inside back of the vanities to keep cords
concealed; and four smaller drawers for grooming items.

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Kitchen & Bath Business - July/August 2017

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