The 2016 CTC&G IDA Winners: Kitchen

The challenge: Combine a homeowner’s desire for a moody, sexy vibe with a need for features that could withstand use by five children ranging from elementary school through high school. Designer Caryn Bortniker delivered with a kitchen that’s a study in contrasts: darks and lights, sophisticated touches and family-friendly finishes.

Bortniker, who had completed kitchen projects for some of the homeowners’ friends, found the decisiveness of her client to be a huge asset. “When I found the Jonathan Adler chandelier, I sent her a photo from the store, and 10 minutes later it was a done deal!” notes the designer. The chandelier sets the tone for the space by simultaneously adding drama and playfulness above the generous island.

Additional Resources:
Cabinetry, New Perspective Cabinetry & Design. Countertops, Caesarstone, through Kitchens by Design. Chandelier, Jonathan Adler. Appliance handles, First Impressions International, through Doorware.com. Backsplash, Ann Sacks. Cabinetry hardware, Emtek, through Klaffs. Faucet, Grohe, through Bender. Flooring, Tile America.

Centering the sink on a pair of double-hung windows created a focal point that let the sun shine in, while open shelves provide visual interest and an opportunity to introduce colors or shapes through whatever is stored there. Contrasting dark wood veneer with pure white Caesarstone brings depth and glamour to the space. “She wanted something a little different,” says Bortniker, “not typical of the suburbs. The wood finish of the cabinetry has a very ethereal feel to it, and the slab doors keep it sleek.”

The final glamour shot? Lucite handles on the built-in refrigerator. “We both agreed to take advantage of the large refrigerator paneled doors and tried to create an armoire effect,” says Bortniker.

Working hand in hand with Able Construction, designer Calla McNamara brought a new perspective to this spec home. “The biggest challenge that I faced was designing something that reflected my aesthetic sensibilities without being too specific,” says McNamara. “I attempted to toe the line between modern and traditional, incorporating elements of both in order to appeal to a larger audience.”

  Just like many residents of Fairfield County, this kitchen is an alluring mix of Manhattan modern and Connecticut traditional. “I see it as both a cook’s kitchen and a family kitchen,” says McNamara. “I had envisioned a young Manhattan couple enjoying the space while entertaining friends and family. The space feels social. There is a healthy connection between the kitchen, breakfast room and family room.”

Additional Resources:
Architecture, Pagliaro Bartels Sajda Architects. Construction, Able Construction, Inc.. Pendant lights, Visual Comfort, through Circa Lighting. Bar stools, AllModern. Wall ovens, refrigerator and stove top, Miele, through Marsillio’s TV and Appliance. Table, Knoll, through Design Within Reach. Chairs, Ikea.

For the palette, the designer took a slight detour from gray on gray or all white: “This home lent itself to a fresh beach palette. With little separation from room to room, it was important to maintain the flow and continuity through the use of neutral colors,” she says. “I have always believed in sticking with classic natural materials; I don’t believe in incorporating materials that look manufactured.”

  Her favorite element or detail? “I like the microwave placement,” says McNamara. “I have always struggled in kitchen designs to find a discreet yet easily accessible spot for the microwave. They generally aren’t very attractive, so I prefer to keep them out of direct sight.” 

Taking inspiration from expansive views of Long Island Sound, architect Mac Patterson, partner at Austin Patterson Disston Architects, and project architect Marti Cowan designed a contemporary kitchen space within a traditional home’s envelope. The kitchen was next up in a series of projects for this homeowner. “They purchased the house from a former owner and didn’t like the kitchen and other parts of the house, preferring contemporary interiors,” says Patterson. “We are working through the rest of the house, making the interiors more contemporary.”

Knowing that the kitchen would be a central gathering place for family and friends, they wanted the space to be free of clutter with a light and dark color palette. “The homeowners wanted it clean for informal gatherings, so we created a kitchen design where the refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, wall ovens and microwave are all placed in an eight-by-eight-foot cube with a single opening into it from the kitchen proper,” explains Patterson. “All prep work, stovetop cooking, storage and eating takes place in main section.”

Additional Resources:
Wall panels and backsplash, Everest Marble. Drawer pulls, Doug Mockett & Co. Appliances, Thermador. Sink, Elkay. Fittings, Newport Brass. Banquette, James Lamond Fabric Studio. Windows, Dynamic Architectural Windows & Doors. Lighting, Belfer.

Black leather drawer pulls and dark wenge wood provide a chic contrast to large shiny porcelain panels and Carrara marble countertops. Patterson’s favorite aspect of the design? He says, “Using the porcelain panels in combination with wenge detailing and the polished metal reglet that holds the panels in place, and the concept of placing many kitchen activities in small space.”