Kitchen of the Week: Working the Angles for Sophistication in Michigan
Blended styles and an unusual layout work together beautifully, while an angled kitchen island works hard for the cooks
Faced with a house full of odd angles and a kitchen shoved into the corner of a great room, designer Sandra Bargiel of Bay Cabinetry & Design Studio embraced the unusual layout. This Michigan kitchen has an angled island to separate the kitchen and dining space, and to work with the kitchen's corner location. Making the island practical and beautiful — with smart functions hidden on every side — and adding rustic, modern, industrial and traditional elements allowed this stunning kitchen to flow with the rest of the house.
Kitchen at a Glance
Location: Traverse City, Michigan
Size: 126 square feet
Builders: Whiteford and Associates Design/Build Firm
Kitchen at a Glance
Location: Traverse City, Michigan
Size: 126 square feet
Builders: Whiteford and Associates Design/Build Firm
The walnut cabinet at the end of the island was built independently and put on casters. Bargiel wanted it to act as a buffet, so it can be wheeled into the dining or living room for serving drinks. This custom-built piece cost about $770.
Reclaimed oak flooring warms up the gray and white cabinetry and soapstone counters, tying into the homeowners' love for industrial and rustic elements.
White cabinetry: maple, Cornsilk, Sorrento; gray cabinetry: Carbon, Bremtown Fine Custom Cabinetry
Reclaimed oak flooring warms up the gray and white cabinetry and soapstone counters, tying into the homeowners' love for industrial and rustic elements.
White cabinetry: maple, Cornsilk, Sorrento; gray cabinetry: Carbon, Bremtown Fine Custom Cabinetry
Unlike the rest of the kitchen, the island and the refrigerator follow the angle of the house. The L shape of the rest of the kitchen sets up an adequate work triangle with the refrigerator and the island workspace.
Since the kitchen is tucked away in a corner, Bargiel also wanted to make sure it would get plenty of light. The upper cabinets had a snug location around the single window. Putting glass on the front and sides of the upper cabinetry allowed light to flow completely through them. The 15-inch upper cabinet depth is large enough to hold oversize plates.
Refrigerator: Sub-Zero 36-inch
Since the kitchen is tucked away in a corner, Bargiel also wanted to make sure it would get plenty of light. The upper cabinets had a snug location around the single window. Putting glass on the front and sides of the upper cabinetry allowed light to flow completely through them. The 15-inch upper cabinet depth is large enough to hold oversize plates.
Refrigerator: Sub-Zero 36-inch
Reclaimed barn wood beams add warmth and patina to the new construction, creating a pleasant contrast with the kitchen's metal hardware and lighting. Each side of the island has a specific function — cooking, serving and dining. The dining side of the island has space to seat two.
Hardware: cast bronze pulls and knobs, Top Knobs; range hood: custom
Hardware: cast bronze pulls and knobs, Top Knobs; range hood: custom
The custom blackened steel range hood has a brass rail for keeping utensils at hand. Crisp white subway tile contrasts with the dark hood and gray cabinetry. The tile backsplash cost about $2,500.
Backsplash: subway tile, Trikeenan Modulus
Backsplash: subway tile, Trikeenan Modulus
On the far end of the island, a storage unit with custom chopping block sits on casters too, so it can be moved around as needed. When it's not in use, it's conveniently tucked into this spot, and the wheels lock. A hint of walnut peeks out from under the counter, adding a subtle warm touch.
Sink: Dickinson Apron Front, Kohler; faucet: Hansgrohe; light: Visual Comfort Chart House Square Flush Mount
Sink: Dickinson Apron Front, Kohler; faucet: Hansgrohe; light: Visual Comfort Chart House Square Flush Mount
The clients opted for untreated soapstone countertops to complement the kitchen's more rustic elements. The custom-cut island top and countertops cost about $7,500.
Pendant lighting: Single Sloane Street Shop Light