The Modern Kitchen

Jan 14, 2009

01:26 PM

Architectural Details Define A Classic Kitchen

While Alice Silverman’s clients downsized from a large home to a more modest one, their taste for great design did not. “The scope of this project included renovating every area,” explains Silverman, Allied Member ASID, of North Salem-based Creative Interiors. “Included were the great room, master bedroom, master bath, dressing room, powder room, home office, laundry room, hallways, and two guest bedrooms.”

Thinking ahead, the couple chose a ranch-style house that would provide easy living as they grew older. The couple wanted a kitchen that was formal and traditional, yet offered the spaciousness and livability they craved, all wrapped up in their favorite colors of soft greens, creams, and terracottas.

To achieve the look, Wood Mode raised-panel cabinets in a light mushroom shade are finished with a walnut glaze. Architectural details play a considerable role in creating a “big” look: glass inserts in the mullions of several cabinets add punch and allow clients to display their collections. Small corbels above the cooktop coordinate with larger ones at the end of the peninsula. Dentil style finishes jazz up crown moldings.

The appliqués placed between the corbels and above the Sub-Zero refrigerator continue the design concept. “We gave as much attention to detail as was appropriate to invoke a classical style, executed by modern craftsman,” says Silverman, who mainly called upon two companies—Ontario-based Art for Everyday and California-based wood masters Enkeboll—for the dramatic woodcarvings. One-and-a-quarter-inch beveled Imperial Green granite (also called Hawaiian or Tropical Green granite) and a stainless-steel range, and ornate brushed pewter hardware complete the classic look.

One of the most dramatic characteristics of the kitchen is the unique ceiling line, including the slope in the work area and the unusual peak above the eating area. These features are accentuated in a shade of soft green, the clients' favorite color, to accentuate the angle.

The backsplash tile, a light travertine set in a subway pattern, is the same soft shade as the cabinetry. “We opted to vary the textures rather than the color to achieve interest,” explains Silverman. The “star” of the backsplash area is the stunning iridescent tile mosaic over the range that encompasses all of the shades used in the fabrics and paint.

The warm cherry tone of the oak floors is continued on the tabletop and the hutch top to tie in the look. The color was achieved with a Dura Seal coffee brown stain.

The striking ceiling line, including the slope in the work area and the pitch above the eating area, is accentuated by the clients' favorite color, a soft green. The pewter-toned stem pendant lights over the peninsula feature alabaster glass shades. The rest of the room is illuminated with recessed lighting, except for the chandelier above the table and chairs (a piece from clients’ previous home that they wanted to re-use). The dining table and chairs are a cream-painted wood with rush seats in a country style. Counter stools in a matching style stand by the peninsula. Coordinating cushions on both have bows and contrast welting.

Two small appliqués on the straight valance above the sink connects the cabinets. Beneath the glass cabinet to the right of the sink, two drawers that store placemats, napkins, and napkin rings, rest directly on the counter top. Two fluted legs with plinth block bases to distinguish it from the other cabinetry surround the base cabinet beneath. 

Photos by Jordan Silverman Photography

Creative Interiors
182 Mills Rd.
North Salem
(914) 669-9200
creativeinteriorsbyalice.com

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