KBB - January 2015 - 40

SOLUTIONS
Vaernes calls "organized decoration and functional storage." The cabinet
below those shelves does not go all the way to the ﬂoor, so it does not
"steal volume from the space," according to the designer.
In this layout, which emphasizes long and straight elevations, it was
natural to maximize usable space by incorporating large cabinets for
maximum storage, rather than smaller cabinets that break up the lines
and also create wasted space. For each new cabinet, space is lost in the
thickness of the box and drawer side, generally four inches per cabinet.
"So although a dedicated 12-in. knife drawer seems great, a 48-in.
drawer for knives, cutlery and other utensils is simply a better use of space,"
said Vaernes.
A tall, corner cabinet features four of the LeMans blind corner shelf
systems from Häfele that come completely out of the cabinet for easy access to items in this space. Large, wide drawers were also used that easily
pull out and give a clear overview of the contents - in place of standard
hinged cabinet doors.
"Rather than bending down to scramble through a full cabinet behind doors, the idea of using drawers as much as possible is simply more
user friendly," said Vaernes. "Drawers are more expensive because of the
additional hardware, components, etc., but in homes of a certain caliber,
they are a more natural ﬁt."

Challenge 3 - Finish Fallout
Before Vaernes got started on the kitchen design, the homeowners
had already chosen the two different wood ﬁnishes for the ﬂooring and
ceiling. Adding a third wood type was a challenge for the rest of the surfaces, and they were averse to using too much painted lacquer.
"The selection of wood, along with the distribution of the wood and
lacquer ﬁnishes, was important in creating an appropriate balance of
materials," he explained.
Olive ash was chosen to be consistent with the soft organic feel of the
already-chosen wood tones, and its natural striations set it apart without
being too dominating, according to Vaernes.
"It allowed us to create a focal point behind the desk and cooktop
areas and frame the pantry to create balance while complementing the
ﬂoor and ceiling," he added.

Challenge 4 - Almost Invisible Appliances and Lines
Vaernes accomplished this goal for the clients by using fully integrated
appliances where possible, including a 36-in. refrigerator and freezer, two
dishwashers and a hood.
"The espresso machine and microwave were left in the main kitchen
area for daily use as the two essential pieces of 'modern' living," he added,
"and the countertop was chosen to blend in with the cabinetry and avoid
introducing another color into the space."
Vaernes designed the pantry to be concealed with no obvious thoroughfare into the space, but it is immediately accessible from the kitchen's main work triangle, as well as the garage for easy unloading of groceries. The homeowners wanted the pantry to do more than house food
items. In addition to eight feet of open shelving for storage, it also features
two full-size ovens, warming drawers and a secondary work area.

Challenge 5 - Pliable Pantry
According to Vaernes, clients have a hard time understanding that
the kitchen pantry can have multiple uses rather than just a storage cen-

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Four LeMans blind-corner shelving systems were incorporated into the
cabinetry for easy access to hard-to-reach items. Chrome hardware on
the cabinets features a modern neutral tone that combines nicely with
the warmth of the wood.

ter. This couple's pantry, which is located between the rectangular kitchen
and the garage, also includes the ovens. The countertops in the pantry
are stone, which can accommodate hot items directly from the ovens.
"A lot of consumers have a hard time with this concept; they are used to
having the oven within arm's reach of the cooktop," he explained."By using
this new philosophy, we were able to use the pantry to hide many of the
larger appliances that can often take away from the design of a space."
Vaernes believes this is a concept born to ﬁt a modern-day lifestyle
- understanding the need for a clean design aesthetic, while utilizing
modern technology.
"Today's appliances don't need constant attention," he added. "We
place something in the oven and it tells us when the food is done - we're
not having to check in every 30 seconds." n
- By Chelsie Butler

sources
Design: Harald Vaernes, Studio Becker; Photography: Tim Maloney,
Technical Imagery Studios
Appliances: Miele; Cabinetry: Studio Becker; Corner Shelf System:
Häfele; Countertops: Cosentino; Faucets: Blanco; Hardware: Studio
Becker; Integrated Hood: Gutmann; Lighting: Hera; Sinks: Blanco

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KBB - January 2015

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