Floor: Roccia 1.6x1.6m

Photos by Gordon King

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We were instructed to refurbish an existing kitchen and specifically asked for a design that would be airy and modern to include some “wow factor” features to satisfy the very precise tastes of this design savvy client. We were told to use the ovens from the old kitchen, to include a large island with seating and to create a visually attractive feature around the main entrance doorway. We initially extended the mezzanine introducing a bulkhead above the window area which obscured the top of the units from above and this allowed mood up-lighting and task lighting to be introduced. The junction between the new bulk head and Mezzanine created a natural break between the entrance door and the kitchen and we used this to define our approach. A large solid ash pivot door was introduced to enhance the existing entrance. The angular solid ash frame was designed to absorb the angular nature of the surrounding architecture and its design considered the existing entrance and door head position with the precise pivoting position being calculated to work within these parameters. The existing under floor heating meant that a conventional pivot system couldn’t be introduced into the floor so we sourced a specialised system that could be concealed within the door which needed only an 8mm protrusion into the floor. The aesthetic impact of the pivot door was balanced with the inclusion of a matching solid ash barn door on the opposite side of the room with a solid ash tambour door helping to balance the look whilst providing the client with a small appliance garage. The island was designed with simplicity in mind with subtle hidden layers helping to deliver impact. The waterfall worktops create a monolithic presence from various angles which is purposefully contradicted by using heavily chamfered edges along the front of the island to create a floating appearance. The holistic impact is enhanced further by detaching the cabinetry from all surrounding surfaces and including LED lighting which can create a glowing effect at night. The inclusion of a custom made Gutmann Abajo extraction system delivers unobtrusive functionality enhancing the look further. The recessed grip handles were made from solid ash and designed to punctuate the design in a unique way, purposefully falling short of the door lengths and penetrating through into the tall cabinetry from the low level units. This required gables, doors and handles to be individually specified to create the look. Some of the drawer fronts were oversized so as to conceal the large filler required to absorb the angles presented by the walls. Blum Legrabox drawers and inserts were carefully programmed to deliver functional performance and these drawers helped to deliver a crisp and contemporary interior finish. Derek Robinson Photography

For this project, the entire kitchen was designed around the “must-have” Lacanche range in the stunning French Blue with brass trim. That was the client’s dream and everything had to be built to complement it. Bilotta senior designer, Randy O’Kane, CKD worked with Paul Benowitz and Dipti Shah of Benowitz Shah Architects to contemporize the kitchen while staying true to the original house which was designed in 1928 by regionally noted architect Franklin P. Hammond. The clients purchased the home over two years ago from the original owner. While the house has a magnificent architectural presence from the street, the basic systems, appointments, and most importantly, the layout and flow were inappropriately suited to contemporary living. The new plan removed an outdated screened porch at the rear which was replaced with the new family room and moved the kitchen from a dark corner in the front of the house to the center. The visual connection from the kitchen through the family room is dramatic and gives direct access to the rear yard and patio. It was important that the island separating the kitchen from the family room have ample space to the left and right to facilitate traffic patterns, and interaction among family members. Hence vertical kitchen elements were placed primarily on existing interior walls. The cabinetry used was Bilotta’s private label, the Bilotta Collection – they selected beautiful, dramatic, yet subdued finishes for the meticulously handcrafted cabinetry. The double islands allow for the busy family to have a space for everything – the island closer to the range has seating and makes a perfect space for doing homework or crafts, or having breakfast or snacks. The second island has ample space for storage and books and acts as a staging area from the kitchen to the dinner table. The kitchen perimeter and both islands are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Paper White. The wall cabinets flanking the sink have wire mesh fronts in a statuary bronze – the insides of these cabinets are painted blue to match the range. The breakfast room cabinetry is Benjamin Moore’s Lampblack with the interiors of the glass cabinets painted in Paper White to match the kitchen. All countertops are Vermont White Quartzite from Eastern Stone. The backsplash is Artistic Tile’s Kyoto White and Kyoto Steel. The fireclay apron-front main sink is from Rohl while the smaller prep sink is from Linkasink. All faucets are from Waterstone in their antique pewter finish. The brass hardware is from Armac Martin and the pendants above the center island are from Circa Lighting. The appliances, aside from the range, are a mix of Sub-Zero, Thermador and Bosch with panels on everything.

Clawson Architects designed the Main Entry/Stair Hall, flooding the space with natural light on both the first and second floors while enhancing views and circulation with more thoughtful space allocations and period details. The AIA Gold Medal Winner, this design was not a Renovation or Restoration but a Re envisioned Design. The original before pictures can be seen on our web site at www.clawsonarchitects.com The design for the stair is available for purchase. Please contact us at 973-313-2724 for more information.

This is the project we show clients when we suggest they paint their doors black, though they usually look at us like we are crazy. Then they see the result of this wonderful front foyer, and grab the paintbrush!

This kitchen was made for a new build near Ipswich. The main part of the kitchen is in light grey and the island is in blue to contrast. The finish used in this kitchen is Fenix, which provides a lovely matte look. Photography by Altan Omer (photography@altanomer.co.uk)

copper mango

Photo Credit :Chandler Photography

Previously renovated with a two-story addition in the 80’s, the home’s square footage had been increased, but the current homeowners struggled to integrate the old with the new. An oversized fireplace and awkward jogged walls added to the challenges on the main floor, along with dated finishes. While on the second floor, a poorly configured layout was not functional for this expanding family. From the front entrance, we can see the fireplace was removed between the living room and dining rooms, creating greater sight lines and allowing for more traditional archways between rooms. At the back of the home, we created a new mudroom area, and updated the kitchen with custom two-tone millwork, countertops and finishes. These main floor changes work together to create a home more reflective of the homeowners’ tastes. On the second floor, the master suite was relocated and now features a beautiful custom ensuite, walk-in closet and convenient adjacency to the new laundry room. Gordon King Photography