Studied simplicity
Francesca Peck is a sophisticated art lover with a passion for cooking and entertaining. But when she gave a party, she had to leave her guests in order to check on what she was cooking - the small kitchen was closed off from the rest of the house. Now opened up, the kitchen feels airy and spacious. Peck’s new kitchen island is her version of a symphony conductor’s podium: She can stand behind it and conduct dinner and conversation without missing a beat.
GREAT IDEAS
Beauty and function. Although Peck’s appliances could hardly be described as basic, she chose them not so much for their gadgetry as for their clean lines and straightforward functionality. The stainless-steel finish of the appliances helps draw together the materials palette.
Natural palette. With its white-painted cabinets and laminate countertops, the old kitchen felt plastic. The new kitchen is more organic, with maple cabinets in a natural finish and countertops in a light green concrete, for an earthy but sophisticated feeling.
Opening the ceiling. Rutherford took over the attic to create a vaulted roof line. It’s a small change that makes a big impact. Now the room feels larger and lighter, thanks in part to the natural light reflecting off the angled ceiling and into the space. A new door connects the kitchen and the backyard, providing easier flow between indoors and outdoors.
Safety glass. The cabinet doors are made of laminated safety glass - whose natural color is light green - to match the counters. The wire and film in the glass give it a slightly opaque quality, masking the cabinet contents but giving the kitchen a more open feeling. Because it’s reinforced, it can be used on lower cabinets, making the kitchen island a pretty view from the dining area.