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Bereft of imagination, the original white kitchen in this colonial home in Laurelhurst lacked the elements of design. A half wall between the family room and kitchen made each room confining and claustrophobic while positioning a dining nook on the opposite side of the wall. The owners desired an elegant and classic kitchen that could serve as the heart of the home for this family of four who ‘live in the kitchen.’

The challenge entailed designing and building a well-appointed kitchen with high-end appliances, a functioning space for the cook and any hungry family members, and a refined style—all within the modest budget. By removing the half wall that separated the family room from the kitchen and raising the exposed ceiling beam, the space opens to the family room, allowing for more natural light and for a kitchen island in the center that does double duty as an informal dining and work space. Since it required the removal of a bearing wall, a beam was installed in the joist bays to support the master bedroom over the kitchen on the second story. Taking out an exterior door on the South side extended the counter area, now clad with Bianco Romano granite in soft bone and strands of mauve and maroon.

In addition, the owners requested curves to offset the rectangular colonial home. Reminiscent of Italian influences, soft curves are replicated on the columns, island granite form, and oven hood detailing. As a focal point for the kitchen, the hood bears a grapevine motif that is also evident on the handcrafted bone colored ceramic tile that comprises the backsplash. The custom designed hood is made from a stucco compound: it is stained and painted to resemble an old stone stove in Tuscany. Two leaded glass cabinets flank each side of the six-burner Viking range. Recessed lighting augments the French hand blown lanterns that hang from the ceiling. The light bone, painted wood on the cabinetry, adorned with satin nickel pulls, contrasts with the rich mocha walls. While the built-in Subzero refrigerator is covered with the bone-colored wood, the double ovens, warming oven, and microwave are stainless steel.

The West wall of the kitchen features an office station with a tack board that is concealed behind cabinet doors. While working closely with the interior designer, the contractor executed the fine attention to detail prevalent throughout the kitchen. Complementing the traditional and semi-formal home, the expanded kitchen now functions with grace and ease.

Awards

• REX: Kitchen $75,000-$100,000