The owner of this suburban home had one very specific and unusual request
for her kitchen remodel: there was to be no full-size refrigerator in the new space. She did not cook very much and did not need a lot of fresh or frozen food storage. Also, she did not like the look of stainless, so the remaining appliances were to be black. The existing tile floor was to remain; fortunately, the client had some extra tile to fill in new areas where needed. To increase storage and counter space, a pantry and utility closet was removed. A drain trap from a previous master bath remodel upstairs hung below the ceiling in the utility closet and could not be relocated, requiring some modification of the existing ceiling.
To reduce the visual impact of the appliances, the under-counter refrigerator/freezer drawers and dishwasher were given wood panels that integrated seamlessly with the cabinetry. The existing full-size refrigerator was relocated to the lower level for times when more food storage was needed. The black range and hood provided a contrasting color element for the focal point of the hearth. The new island was placed in the same footprint as the existing island but the countertop was given a new curved shape supported by textured black posts, which coordinate nicely with the black appliances. To accommodate the low-hanging drain trap without lowering the entire ceiling, a shallow tray ceiling was created around the perimeter of the space, leaving the majority at the original height.
The design inspiration came from the client’s extensive collection of Fiestaware she had been acquiring for many years. Most of it was hidden away inside existing cabinets or gathering dust on top of the wall cabinets. Two large glass-fronted wall cabinets on either side of the hood showed off the collection, added a pop of color, and expanded the focal point of the hearth. Contemporary flat panel cabinetry of quarter-sawn oak in a soft grey stain provided the perfect neutral backdrop for the colorful Fiestaware. Marbled white quartz counters and a soft grey natural stone backsplash with striking glass tile behind the hood kept the look sleek and modern. The client now has a striking modern kitchen that is always ready for a fiesta!
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