Kitchen & Bath Business July/August 2021 - 67

RECYCLING AND REUSE
FOR INCREASED SUSTAINABILITY
While planning around the homeowners' goals,
Nasser automatically sourced efficient fixtures,
but sustainable practices began with the demo,
as the team focused on recycling and reuse. As is
true for each of her projects, there was an effort
to donate or allow the clients to sell old cabinetry,
countertops and appliances.
" We try not to throw anything away unless no
one is accepting it, " said Nasser. " We try to reuse
as much as we can. "
The idea of donating old cabinets or selling
appliances does not meet with resistance from
clients, but when it comes to making product and
material selections, cost and function can be a factor.
" It depends on the material, " said the designer.
" If it's something that people haven't heard of or
seen, you have to explain it a bit more and what the
benefits are. If there is a cost attached to it, there is
definitely some push back. "
Although sustainability was not a top priority
for these clients, Nasser had no issues convincing
them of the benefits obtained from the choices
she made.
After recycling cabinets, she incorporated a
variety of sustainable features in the new kitchen.
From the recessed lights to those under the
cabinets in the bar, she chose LEDs. The clients
wanted high-end appliances, and Nasser easily
selected energy-efficient options. She was able to
reuse the existing dishwasher.
A durable, scratch-, heat- and bacteria-resistant
granite composite sink in modern black met the
style goals of the clients. Nasser paired it with a
low-flow, dual-finish faucet in black and brushed
nickel. These features make a bold contrast to the
white countertop.
COLOR AND TEXTURE
ENHANCE SLEEK SURFACES
One exciting factor in sustainable design today
is that going green does not require giving
up on style or function. Greenguard-certified,
maintenance-free quartz countertops are an " easy
sell, " according to the designer.
Nasser regularly works with a LEED- and FSCcertified
cabinet manufacturer that uses sustainable
production methods. She chose a rift-cut oak
veneer with a dark stain for the bottom cabinets
and refrigerator paneling. To keep the room from
becoming too dark, she used white cabinets with a
subtle pattern above and for the island.
" The white cabinets are glossy but also have a
subtle pattern that looks like checkers, " said the
designer. " I love how they are not just plain white
cabinets. Once you look closer, there is a nice texture
that reflects light, so it makes it more interesting. "
SOURCES
DESIGNER: Rima Nasser,
Owner & Lead Designer,
TEW Design Studio;
PHOTOGRAPHER: Allie
Mullin, Allie Mullin
Photography
KITCHEN
BACKSPLASH/WALL TILE:
AKDO; BAR STOOLS:
Nuevo; CABINET
HARDWARE: BelwithKeeler;
CABINETS: Bernier;
COUNTERTOP: Silestone;
FAUCET & SINK: Blanco;
FLOORING: Site-Finished
Hardwood; HOOD:
Vent-a-Hood; LIGHTING:
Kichler; MICROWAVE:
Sharp; RANGE: Wolf;
REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER
COLUMNS: Sub-Zero
BAR
CABINETRY: Bernier;
HARDWARE: BelwithKeeler;
BEVERAGE
REFRIGERATORS: U-Line
LAUNDRY ROOM
CABINETRY: Bernier;
FAUCET & SINK: Blanco;
HARDWARE: BelwithKeeler;
TILE: AKDO
The kitchen now appears less choppy thanks to having fewer angles. With
the contrasting cabinets and multiple windows breaking up the horizontal
space, Nasser continued the teal glass subway tile to the crown molding to
avoid creating another stopping point. Designer-curated yellow bar stools
pop against the backsplash and complete the homage to the lamp that
started it all.
The style of the kitchen was carried into the laundry room, which was
updated with white cabinets with the same minimalist door style and
hardware, as well as the colorful wall tile. The existing washer and dryer were
in good shape and reused.
Nasser sees working with clients to determine the most environmentally
friendly goals as an important part of her job.
" As professionals, we have a responsibility to be as sustainable as possible, " she
said. " It's all there. It's not hard to get. It's not hard to work with. "

67
RIGHT TOP In addition to
creating a hidden bar in the
built-ins, Nasser brought in a
local woodworker to refurbish
the fireplace but preserved the
black marble hearth.
RIGHT MIDDLE The blue and
yellow lamp sits adjacent to
the kitchen it inspired.
RIGHT BOTTOM Connected to
the kitchen by a hallway, the
laundry room's clean palette
is enhanced by the teal
subway tile.
Kitchen & Bath Business July/August 2021

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