Small Kitchen

These homeowners celebrate the smallness of their kitchen rather than work around it. Their update to the space preserves the kind of step-saving efficiency that eases cooking and the charming intimacy that suits their 1930s cottage-style home.

Storage Assortment
 
In order to provide kitchen storage and display space without leaving the small room cabinetry-heavy, the homeowners opted for a blend of open shelving, solid-door cabinetry, glass-door cabinetry, and countertop storage. The area around the sink exemplifies the varied approach.

Cork Flooring 
 
Cork tiles laid in a low-contrast diamond pattern form a floor that is quiet, comfortable, durable, and high in vintage veracity. Cork flooring was a popular choice at the time the home was built, as was similar-looking linoleum, which typically contained ground cork.

Countertop Character
 
The muted brown and beige tones of honed Emperador marble in the work core and the radiant sheen of polished Damascus Red marble in the butler’s pantry make a striking countertop duo. Both stone surfaces convey elegance and age.

Low-Profile Appliances
 
The couple didn’t want modern appliances to overwhelm the small space, so they disguised the units with cabinetry-matching panels where possible. The wall ovens, which couldn’t be covered, were placed in an inconspicuous corner.

Beverage Bar
 
Once a breakfast nook, a small area between the kitchen and dining room now serves as a butler’s pantry. The homeowners treat it as their beverage bar, using the U-shape, sink-equipped prep and serving area to dole out anything from morning coffee and afternoon tea to wine and cocktails for parties.

 
Colors of Venice

Gold walls, parchment-color moldings, and a backsplash of beige subway tiles work with the marble counters and the contrasting painted-wood cabinetry finishes to create a subdued, earthy palette. Yet the scheme is punctuated by the boldness of black and energized by the play of patterns, such as the hypnotic design on the tile harlequin between the cooktop and hood. Cookware and collectibles fit right in, as does a small hung photograph of Venice.

Decorative Mementos
 
A fondness for Italy influenced the color scheme and overall ambience. Reminders of the homeowner’s Italian travels abound, especially in this part of the butler’s pantry, which displays bottles of vino, a collection of corks, Italian dishware, and a painting from Tuscany.

Efficient Design
 
Though the compact layout is easy for one cook to navigate, others have room to help thanks to well-spaced counters and appliances. The smart plan keeps everything within a few steps but still allows for multiple chefs in the kitchen.

Mismatched Masterpiece
 
The unfitted look includes a black cabinet for the refrigerator, a butcher-block table, and a built-in china cabinet original to the home. Mixing styles in this fun, comfortable space was important to the homeowners. (via: kitchenbathideas.com)

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Tags: Country Kitchen, Farmhouse kitchen, ideas for kitchen, kitchen cabinet styles, kitchen color scheme, kitchen storage ideas, pictures of kitchen, Rustic design, small kitchen

This entry was posted on Saturday, September 4th, 2010 at 5:26 am and is filed under Italian kitchen, Kitchen Design, kitchen remodeling. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.