Kitchen and Dining Room
This area is not only the heart of the home but is the hardest working part of this home for the modern day family. It’s open floor plan makes looking good a must, as well as being coordinated and congruent with the entire space. The daily activities of food prep, meals, TV viewing, homework, gathering as a family, reading, and other various activities will all take place in this area which places a lot of demands on the materials used, the layout, lighting, furnishings- everything!
The kitchen is part of the family space and shares the same wall color as the family room. The perimeter cabinets are in a rich spicy stain while the island looks like a piece of furniture in a deep teal with a dark walnut rub through treatment. I wanted to add some variety and drama in the kitchen; calling out the island is a great way to add color-zest while taming it a bit with a glaze adds to the richness. I also embellished the island a bit with added trims and moldings. The counters are high-end granite in a brushed finish that I just can’t keep my hands off of! The earthy tones are carried forward in the glossy, matte glass and stone mosaic tile that covers the back splash. This too features the color story in a low-key but intensely rich way. The under cab lighting will show off this beautiful element well! Three bar stools hangout under the bar and serve as easy seating for family and guests. The Livable Luxe theme is continued with a high-end espresso/coffee machine on the counter, a few well-placed accessories and some chef inspired utensils will give the feel that this home knows how to ‘live well’!
I installed a built-in, upholstered banquette in the existing arched niche. The bench and pull-up seating around the skirted table comfortably sit 4 or 5 people. This is where ottomans on casters come in handy to add more seating! The lighting is a lovely silk shaded drum fixture. I used incredibly durable Sunbrella fabrics to handle the day-to-day use of this charming, well-done eating area. Art, florals and a coordinating roman shade for the door make this space a welcomed participant the in over arching scheme and function of this multi-purpose open area.
Banquette