KBB - September 2011 - (Page 46)

Honorable Mention/Kitchen Urban Division By Alice Liao After years of living in cookie-cutter neighborhoods, interior designer Marisa Solomon, of the Reed Architectural Group, Inc., and her architect husband and firm principal, John G. Reed, were ready for a change. Their new home, they decided, would occupy the top two floors in a three-story mixed-use building to be erected in eclectic Venice, CA, and its interior would embody more of an urban vibe. To this end, Solomon created a casual, open-concept design with the look of a stylish downtown loft and an elegant kitchen that is equal parts workhorse, party host and centerpiece. Solomon’s solution accomplishes this by dividing the kitchen into two distinct yet interconnected areas. The first, which serves as a prep and cleanup zone, is equipped with a sink, a dishwasher, a refrigerator, an oven and a pair of sliding glass partitions to conceal it when the family entertains. Adjoining it is an “architectural kitchen” that comprises an island, which connects to the dining room table, and a back wall containing a cooktop, a ventilation hood, wine refrigeration, a coffee maker and plenty of storage. Outfitted with Italian cabinetry in a dark wood veneer, An “architectural kitchen” combines with the dining area to form a focal point for the home. To its left, a prep and cleanup kitchen (not shown) can be concealed with sliding partitions when the family entertains. A two-part solution keeps this California kitchen chic and functional white glass countertops and stainless-steel paneling, the architectural kitchen seamlessly melds with the dining area to form a dramatic focal point around which the home’s main living space is centered. This was critical to Solomon’s intent. Despite the home’s casual atmosphere, “it was important not to lose the sense of refinement one felt, for example, when sitting in our previous traditional formal dining room,” she noted. Well integrated yet outfitted to stand out, this kitchen is undeniably polished not only in impact but also from conception to execution. n sources Interior designer: Marisa Solomon—Reed Architectural Group, Inc., Venice, CA; www.reedarchgroup.com Additional members of the design team: John G. Reed, Reed Architectural Group, Inc. (architect), Shai Zion, Pedini Los Angeles (kitchen consultant) Manufacturers: Cabinetry: Pedini; Appliances: Miele; Sink: Julien; Faucet: Rohl; Lighting: Architects & Heroes Interiors (pendants), Sistemalux (spotlights), Lutron (controls) Photography: © Douglas Hill 46 + K BB September 2011 / www.kbbonline.com / The Official Sponsor of KBIS www.kbis.com http://www.reedarchgroup.com http://www.kbbonline.com http://www.kbis.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of KBB - September 2011

KBB - September 2011
Table of Contents
Online Contents
Online News
Editorial
Show Director’s Note
Trends
Products
Design
Meet the Judges
Top Projects
Merit Projects
Honorable Mentions
Modern Classic: An eclectic bath with timeless appeal
Ad Index
Favorites

KBB - September 2011