What began as a simple kitchen ‘face-lift’ turned into a more complex kitchen remodel when it was determined that what the client was really seeking was to create a space which evoked the warmth of wood. The challenge was to take a dated (c. 1980’s) white plastic laminate kitchen with a white Formica counter top and transform it into a warmly, wood-clad kitchen without having to demolish the entire kitchen cabinetry. With new door and drawer faces and the careful ‘skinning’ of the existing laminate cabinets with a stained maple veneer; the space became more luxurious and updated. The counter top was replaced with a new quartz slab from Eurostone. The peninsula now accommodates counter-height seating. The Haiku bamboo ceiling fan from Big Ass Fans graces the family room.
It’s always easier working with clients who know what they like. From the very beginning of this project, the client’s taste for mid-century modern design and ceramic ware from this period informed the direction for the look and materials that she wanted to use. Heath Ceramics, known for their mid- century style tiles and other exquisite pottery collection, was the obvious choice for the back splash material seen in this photo. It is their dimensional ‘Crease-In and Crease-Out’ series that we installed for the backsplash to give it life and dimension especially with the new under-cabinet lighting to illuminate it. An interesting vignette using some of the client’s own pottery collection displayed above the sink becomes a focal point.
The sculptural Milo faucet by Maestro Bath lends elegance and sparkle to the earthiness of the ceramics.
One of the client’s requests was for additional freezer space. Using the peninsula corner space adjacent to the hallway, an under-cabinet freezer was installed to provide that extra storage. Typically, it is more conventional to keep the backsplash color consistent throughout the entire kitchen, but it was the client who wanted to make the prep sink back splash in the turquoise Heath tiles; same style as the persimmon tiles; but as she said “is there a rule that says we have to use the same color throughout?” My reply: “Let’s do it!”
Sheryl Fleischer
Fleischer + Khorrami Interiors
Image source:
Interior photography by Manolo Langis
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