| 2004
3rd Place
Large Kitchens
NKBA Design Contest
A dramatic, professional, restaurant style kitchen that "sizzles" in Bellevue.
Design Problems
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Existing space was under utilized. The confined, U shaped configuration did not permit the state of the art equipment and workspaces that the client, a former food stylist and dedicated epicurean so coveted.
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Inadequate storage, counter space and lighting plus obsolete appliances and outmoded cabinetry sans amenities.
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The client found the space to be a dark, cramped, unexciting arena for the pursuit of a life long passion.
Client Requests
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Sleek lines. A Euro-Hi Tech look that evokes the atmosphere of a professional kitchen while providing maximum ergonomic function.
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Conscious of diminishing forest resources, laminate finishes on cabinetry balanced by natural finishes elsewhere.
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Create a warm, welcoming feeling while accentuating the client's favorite colors of blue and gray in the overall design.
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Cutting edge appliances.
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Storage for an enormous and well-used cookbook collection ranging from Escoffier to celebrity chefs.
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Storage for a wide array of utensils, small appliances, spices and cooking oils. Point of use recycling, convenient wine glass storage.
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Space for a laptop computer, telephone and incoming mail.
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A comfortable eating area, an island buffet counter as well as guest seating.
Design Solution
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A wall was removed between the kitchen and an adjacent, seldom used sitting area. The unified space doubles the kitchen size while allowing the clients to fully enjoy a verdant, hillside view. A view that the clients so love that they have declined window coverings for any but the southwesterly facing windows.
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Neil Kelly Cabinets were selected not only for a sleek, understated, flush panel door style but also for formaldehyde free, box construction.
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Synchronized cabinet finishes of durable stainless steel, cool blue-gray and warm, figured annigre print laminates; work in harmony with the stainless steel appliances to create rhythmic drama.
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The counter balance of polished and matte materials achieves textural interest. The multi color glass backsplash tiles are alternately matte and polished. Low maintenance matte porcelain tile counters are balanced by the polished granite island countertop as stainless steel doors and drawers unexpectedly punctuate matte laminate cabinetry.
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Warm, terracotta walls and glass tiles balance the cool grays and blues used throughout the space to form the basis of a dramatic complementary color scheme. The rare granite used for the island countertop features extraordinary cobalt blue holstered cafe style eating nook lined with library shelves. Drawers at each end of the banquet provide added storage.
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While the client's wife has banned him from the bookstores, 62 linear feet of bookshelves were provided for current needs and future clandestine purchases.
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The large, teardrop shaped island features ample seating for three, nearly 14 linear feet of buffet counter, dish storage within easy access of the cleanup area and eating nook, secondary recycling, storage for cutting boards, a 30" Dacor oven and Subzero under counter wine storage. The island prep sink forms an efficient work triangle (the client says he simply pivots) with the 48" Wolf Range and Subzero Refrigerator. More that 72" of counter top prep area has been provided on a custom designed glass cabinet that rests on the island countertop. Lower touch latch glass doors swing outward toward the prep counter. The upper glass doors open toward the hall providing additional storage for glassware and flower vases, a custom wine glass rack is anchored at the top of the cabinet, above the subzero wine storage unit.
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Knives and utensils are stored to the right of the prep sink (equipped with hot and chilled water filtration and a second garbage disposal). Halogen brushed stainless steel commercial suspension lighting was customized to hang at a lower height to, not only provide lighting for the island prep area, but warm plated food.
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Located to the left of the 6 burner Wolf Range (with char broiler and two ovens) is under counter pull out spice storage. A warming drawer is to the right of the range. Drawers on either side provide utensil and cookware storage. A stainless steel metal rail system in the backsplash suspends cooking oils, a knife block and paper towel/kitchen wrap within easy reach of the range. Tray storage is provided above the 48" Subzero.
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The cleanup area features a Kohler Promaster professional series faucet and recycling. The solid cherry butcher-block topped desk provides a cubby for correspondence, file storage and space for a telephone and laptop computer.
The client has sincerely lavished lofty praise on the ergonomic function and aesthetics of the space. He and his wife say that this kitchen is in reality the heart of their home. They spend nearly all their time there enjoying a kitchen that truly sizzles while it works.
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