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Before Above: The kitchen���s previous L-shape layout secluded it from the rest of the house. Left: The island���s countertop is Brazilian granite, which was selected for its oneof-a-kind appearance as the colors and features of the stone change depending on where it���s cut. doors at these openings eliminated the obstructions of swinging doors to further increase usable space. A peninsula cabinet that originally delineated the kitchen from the dining room was removed, and Holgerson added a hutch in the kitchen that recesses into the shared laundry-room wall. Making these few changes added enough space to introduce an island with adequate walkaround distances. Ties That Bind A clear objective was to entice people to come into the kitchen, and Holgerson used repeating visual and textural cues to make it an integral part of the home. The same custom-made Andean mahogany flooring in the living area was inlaid for borders around the kitchen walls at the base of the cabinetry. The contractor then installed a lighter, rectangular stone-patterned porcelain floor tile in a crossways direction to give the room a wider feeling. Once the floor was decided, Holgerson looked to the ceiling. ���When you���re approaching a remodel, it���s very important to address the entire room; otherwise the space is essentially not done,��� he says. ���We added 6-in.-deep beams to the ceiling to give it an Arts and Crafts feel and extended them the full length through the dining area to tie the spaces together, which makes the kitchen much more inviting.��� Holgerson says that the depth of the beams made the ceiling plane feel taller. He didn���t opt for dark wood beams because he was wary of creating a cap or lid effect in the room and could achieve the desired architectural effect through texture and form rather than material selection. Details gave the cabinetry, hutch and island more of a furniture aesthetic. Cherry cabinets were adorned with feet at their corners, and decorative glass insets with lighting provide depth and show off personal possessions. Rather than create symmetry among the various elements, the kitchen���s island and hutch were painted black to offer distinction as individual pieces and visually open up the room. High- quality black quartz lent elegance to the countertops. Color Play The stain of the perimeter cabinets is a custom-blend of color selected from other colors of the house. The stained cabinets received black glaze highlights to subtly connect them to the neighboring island and hutch. The island���s countertop is Brazilian granite, which was selected for its one-ofa-kind appearance as the colors and features of the stone change depending on where it���s cut ��� both geographically and how deep in the ground it is found. ���[The countertop] is an incredible piece,��� says Holgerson. ���This slab is exotic with many veins and colors running the length of it like a work of art. We used this granite solely on the island not simply to Right: A decorative diamond stripe between the range and hood coordinates with the living room���s fireplace and entry area. Above: The kitchen���s island and hutch were painted black to offer distinction as individual pieces and visually open up the room. Left: A recycled composite sink dampens the sound of water, dishes and pans compared to stainless steel. ForResidentialPros.com QR April 2013 25