KBB - March 2013 - (Page 39)

The oversized island (above left) is critical both functionally and spatially. In addition to loosely separating the kitchen from the adjoining dining room while preserving the openness of the floor plan, it serves as a cleanup area and, along with the perimeter cabinets, is topped with granite patterned with gray and taupe swirls. Details such as the decorative backsplash design in the cooking area (above right) and a river rock border on the floor add visual interest. and seeded glass, to create a transitional masterpiece—a kitchen that stands alone, yet flows gracefully into the adjoining dining room. The cabinets, custom made from alder wood with a fruitwood finish, are paneled in a vertical wood stripe similar to bead board. The rich, dark wood says traditional, but the bead-board look brings the design down to earth. “It creates a transitional, casual style,” said Espinet. “Since the penthouse overlooks the ocean, something too formal might seem out of place.” The handmade, seeded bubble glass in the upper cabinets adds a bit of shine and luminosity to the kitchen. Its semi-opacity obscures what lies behind, adding a practical application to this feature as well. A functional necessity in the kitchen, an oversized island with a bar counter and seating serves as both cleanup area and a place for casual dining or for guests to chat with the homeowners as they work. More than 9 ft. long, the unit is equally critical to managing the open plan and spatial flow, easing the transition from kitchen to dining room while loosely separating the two. Housed in dark-wood cabinetry, a bar to one side of the island further bridges the two rooms, reinforcing the sense of continuity. Elegant lighting fixtures help the open space split its time between highly functional family room and romantic party location. Suspended over the island, large, clear-glass pendants are equipped with several bulbs to ensure ample brightness on the work surface but are also dimmable, allowing them to transition to mood lighting with a flick of the switch. A custom chandelier dimly illuminates the dining room, setting a sultry, romantic atmosphere. Darkness and light are at play again in the Coliseum granite countertops, which feature a distinctive swirl in tones of taupe and gray. “That stone is one of my favorite elements of this kitchen,” said Espinet. “It is unique, and as soon as we saw it, we knew it was the right slab.” On the backsplash, slate tiles with travertine trim provide a beautiful complement to the countertops, and together they give the space a masculine feel. As a counterbalance, Venetian plaster on the walls and ceiling and a delicate stencil design on the vent hood bring a feminine touch. The cabinet hardware was specified in an oil-rubbed bronze finish to offer a hint of the traditional, while a river-rock border detail on the flooring contributes a rustic, natural charm that reflects the waterfront location of the home. The details in this space—both large and small—add up to more than the sum of their parts. Together they create a kitchen filled with traditional charm and modern touches. n sources Designer: Sandra Espinet—Square One Interiors, San Diego, CA; www.sandraespinet.com Manufacturers: Range: Viking; Refrigerator and wine cooler: Sub-Zero; Dishwashers:Viking; Sink: Kohler; Faucet: Newport Brass; Cabinet hardware: Sun Valley Bronze; Lighting: Berbere Imports (pendants) Photography: © Hector Velazco www.kbbonline.com / March 2013 36-39 KITCHEN FEATURE A.indd 39 + K BB 39 2/13/13 3:00 PM http://www.sandraespinet.com http://www.kbbonline.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of KBB - March 2013

KBB - March 2013
Contents
Online Contents
Editorial
Show Director’s Note
KBIS Special Section
Web Savvy
Trends
Products
Design Feature: Beach Formal
Design Feature: Luxury in the Large
2013 Brand Preference Study
Ad Index
Last Word

KBB - March 2013