Kitchen & Bath Business - May/June 2018 - 37

client's good taste and designer's eye. The combined minimalist and rustic nature of the finished
kitchen provides a neutral backdrop to the homeowner's extensive art collection, which lines the
surrounding walls.
The client's initial goal had been to receive a
high-end Florense kitchen.By opting for a cost-effective line from a European manufacturer,Dresner
delivered on modern style despite the tight budget.
LAMINATE SAVES THE DAY

In Milan, Dresner had viewed impressive laminates, including some that aptly mimicked reclaimed wood. Although laminate is not a material he often uses, he knew it was a common choice
in Europe and would allow him to give his client a
sleek, working kitchen without breaking the bank.
Cabinets from Stosa Cucine's Infinity Line
were procured directly from Italy, and to save on
shipping, Dresner waited to order the cabinetry
until multiple projects were ready to ship so that
the client could share a container with others.
In addition to his affinity for modern kitchen
design, the client knew he wanted a large island
where he could entertain. It would also serve as
the main eating area because the first floor where
the kitchen is located functions as more of a sculpture gallery than a dining
room. Dresner used laminate from Arpa Industriale for the countertop and
island, saving thousands on the budget when compared to a stone surface.
The extensive island, which is about 13 feet long and 39 inches deep, is
made up of drawer banks and faux-wood panels. Bells and whistles like
ABOVE The plumbing
needed to stay put, so Dresner
planned the kitchen around
the predetermined footprint.
LEFT Although the budget

meant foregoing a backsplash,
cost-effective, undercabinet
lighting provides plenty of interest beneath a rustic wall cabinet.

interior storage accessories or pullouts were not in the budget.The hardware,
which came with the cabinetry, was selected from the factory's standard line.
"I gave him the most amount of cabinetry [I could] to stick to that budget,"
said Dresner. "We did not go one cent over."
The designer and the client can feel good about the cabinetry's sustainability in addition to its style.The particleboard sides are made from recycled
wood and the hardware from recycled metal. In fact, Stosa Cucine wins
awards for eco-friendliness, according to Dresner, and the company uses
"green" varnishes and lacquers. Its manufacturing plant gets energy from its
photovoltaic installation.
ALL STYLE, NO SPLURGE

Cost consciousness meant cutting back on other features, too. The client
worked with Abt Electronics to select middle-end appliances. No backsplash
lines the wall, however, most of the space is taken up by the cabinets, so nothing seems to be missing. Undercabinet lighting came from Home Depot and
boasts no high-tech extras.
Despite the sheer inability to make room for indulgences, the kitchen appears high end rather than budget friendly. By omitting decorative lighting in
favor of simple recessed lights, Dresner had the funds to create interest with
a stainless steel and glass range hood above the island.
To coordinate with the rustic surface of the floating cabinetry and island
base, the client engaged an artist to fabricate stools, a bench and a foot rail
crafted from galvanized pipe used for plumbing or gas lines. These features
enhance the industrial look. 
What began as an empty space and a disheartening story ended in victory for
Dresner and the homeowner.The footprint of the kitchen did not change, and
none of plumbing had to be moved, so the project entailed a simple but smart
installation. Without a willingness to consider atypical materials and scale
back on high-end appliances, the kitchen could still be just a modernist dream.
"We had to get this guy a kitchen and create something that would really
look cool in his house," said Dresner. "It was a joy to do it."
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