Troy Adams relied on his fusion philosophy to generate a sophisticated, yet comfortable, space in this high-profile kitchen for architect Jim Chuda. Mixing a variety of materials, Adams merged edgy European sleekness with the calming natural elements common in Asian design. He started from the ground up: “We knew we wanted a cork floor, so we started picking materials that would fit into the palette of the cork,” he says. Popular in European and commercial kitchens, cork floors reduce the impact of constant standing. As the open kitchen moves into the dining area, the flooring changes to renewable bamboo. A testament to Adams' approach, the two floors flow fluently into each other, integrating both materials and influences.
Corrugated cherry wood on a condensed wall of cabinets pulls out the red hues of the variegated cork. For the island, Adams chose a dark wenge; Makassar ebony on the floating sink cabinet unites the dark and light woods with its distinctive striping. To help this amalgam of woods cooperate rather than compete, enameled and raw lavastone are woven together on the island countertop, resulting in a vivid focal point for the room.
“Because the kitchen was so exposed, we wanted to hide as much as possible,” Adams explains. To wit, he elevated the dishwasher, used undercounter refrigerator drawers, and hid the microwave, oven, cappuccino maker, and more inside stainless appliance garages. To balance this minimalist European look, Adams incorporated an Asian technique of bringing the outdoors in. “We oriented the kitchen so you're experiencing the nature beyond,” he says. Pushing back and tilting the L-shaped island toward the window gives the cook and hangers-on unobstructed views to the outside. And a built-in water fountain of basalt granite supplies the soothing sounds of a bubbling brook.
designers: Troy Adams and Lisa Adams, Troy Adams Design, West Hollywood, Calif.
architect: Jim Chuda, Los Angeles
general contractor: Troy Adams
installer: Marlow Barger, Barger Construction Co., Pasadena, Calif.
steel fabricator: Julien, Quebec City
stone fabricator: Zohar Marble, North Hollywood, Calif.
resources: cabinetry and hardware: Studio Becker; cooktop, dishwasher, and oven: Miele; countertops: Basaltina S.r.l. and Pyrolave; lighting: Hera Lighting; paint: Benjamin Moore & Co. and Dunn-Edwards Corp.; plumbing fixtures: Dornbracht; refrigerator and freezer: Sub-Zero; sink: Kohler
