Project Details
Project Description
These clients are empty nesters and were ready to build their dream home. They envisioned Mediterranean architecture with an interior design described as rustic and comfortable, yet refined. The home needed to be low maintenance, a “lock and leave” residence, and have an open floor plan for entertaining groups. Their primary objective was to create a feeling throughout the home that focused on their love of gourmet cooking and frequent entertaining. With a homeowner operating as the “chef” at gatherings, it was important to them that guests be able to circulate easily from inside rooms to the outside patios and feel comfortable in the kitchen while food preparation was underway. These clients were adamant that an emphasis be placed on utilizing a generous selection of “earthy” building materials such as reclaimed wood, brick, stone and copper, and that these materials blend seamlessly from the inside of the home to the outside patios to create a warm and relaxing environment for guests. The Kitchen became a focal point of the home as to how it would be designed to allow for food preparation while guests were in attendance and to also maintain a "showcase" appearance at all times. This client is a gourmet cook and baker, and the Kitchen needed to accommodate state-of-the-art appliances, provide ample room for entertaining and allow guests to roam between the Kitchen, Dining Room, Great Room and patios; all while food preparation was ongoing but out of view. To achieve a “showcase” condition, three rooms were designed off the Kitchen to reduce clutter and food preparation. A stand alone Pantry, a Home Management Center and the Baking Center created space for two 30” wall ovens and baking/cooking utensils to be kept out of sight. The main kitchen boasts a large center island with dual dishwashers and two apron-front sinks and is attached to a reclaimed wood table, providing casual yet elegant seating/dining. Specialty items such as a 60" 8-burner Wolf cooktop, a counter-height brick pizza oven, glass doors on the refrigerator, painted and glazed cabinets with a light finish, a reclaimed oak plank wood floor, a custom hammered copper range hood and a brick barrel-vault ceiling all combined to create an inviting "showcase" Kitchen. The open Kitchen floor plan was designed to flow into a circular Dining Room and adjacent Great Room, both of which lead to the outdoor patios. To maintain the consistent “showcase” feeling for entertaining, these clients wanted an open, round Dining Room made of stone with no visible supports. To create this effect, support beams were utilized inside the walls and dome ceiling and then stone was sheered and hung from ceiling supports. Savant and Lutron home control features were incorporated to make climate and lighting control simple when entertaining. This homeowner continues to bring us baked goods and tell us how happy she is with her full-service, gourmet Chef’s Kitchen and the Old World ambiance and cozy atmosphere that makes guests feel comfortable and welcome in her home.
