An Ann Arbor Kitchen with a British Edge
Detroit Home // September 2013
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Margaret Presti of Margeaux Interiors of Birmingham worked with Prestige Design & Build of Birmingham to create a bright and functional kitchen for homeowners David Collins and Christina Anderson. You’ll often find Collins, who grew up in England, and Anderson preparing a quick cuppa (tea) and enjoying toasty fall flavors from Fortnum & Mason and Yorkshire Gold. “They start their day in a space they love — a space that has a bit of England in it,” Presti says.
HOMEOWNER REVIEW
“The former kitchen was quite dark and old-fashioned,” says homeowner Christina Anderson. “We wanted a bright, modern kitchen that looked beautiful but was also functional. The layout is perfect for cooking and for socializing with guests in the dining room whilst working in the kitchen. The bar, with a wine fridge, is also great for entertaining.”
GOTTA HAVE ART
The large piece of art that hangs near the dining table depicts London in the 1500s. “The city (in England) where we worked looks very similar — even 500 years later,” Anderson says. The painting in the butler’s pantry/bar area is from the TRa art group at the Michigan Design Center.
ISLAND VIEW
Along with the bar area, the island, with its wood countertop, was custom-made by Cole Wagner Cabinetry in Rochester Hills. It replaces the former cooktop/cabinetry island. “We created an open feel without compromising on function,” Presti says. “It’s a great area for food prep, and allows guests to gather while the homeowner cooks. Its finish ties in with the bar area, as well as the chandeliers and the vintage bronze bridge faucet
The warm wood tone is a perfect mix for the space’s ivory and gray tones.”
DOOR DETAILS
Having the doors open to the deck allows us to host great summer parties,” Anderson says
TRICK OF THE TRADE
A soffit that had to stay due to plumbing and structural issues was custom-colored to match the ivory cabinetry, making it less noticeable.
CABINETRY COUTURE
Kitchens by Richards of Birmingham installed ivory-inset cabinetry, “to give a bit of an unfitted kitchen look,” Presti says. Bar cabinetry is also from Kitchens by Richards.
LET THERE BE LIGHT
The unique chandeliers, from Crystorama, add another layer.
NOW SERVING
The bar area off the kitchen was once was home to “awkward cabinetry,” Presti says. Underfoot: a rug, not shown, from Ghiordes Knot at the Michigan Design Center.
PAINT PATTER
The walls are painted in Sherwin-Williams’ Repose Grey (#7015), “a light gray tone,” Presti says. The trim is Alabaster White (#7008), “a slightly warm white that tied the ivory cabinetry and appliances together with the gray walls, counterop, backsplash, range hood and pewter hardware.” Presti adds, “so that one (the gray or the white)did not overpower the other, but complimented it.”
ACCENT ON APPLIANCES AND MORE
All the appliances, from the British company aga (Legacy series), have an ivory finish. The fireclay apron-front sink, similar to what you’d find in England in the 1800s, was crafted by Shaws in England and purchased through ROHL. Walker Zanger riverstone-honed tile was procured through Virginia Tile Co., while the countertops — from Dwyer Marble and Stone Supply in Farmington Hills — are made of soapstone. Various kitchen accents, like the green teapot from Teavana, shown on this page, look splendid against this backdrop.
FUNCTION FIRST
“As the (primary cook),” Anderson says, “I love the functionality of the area around the stove. all my cooking tools are easily within reach and, with the island between the fridge and the stove, I have plenty of counter space to work with.”
Megan Swoyer & Judith Harris Solomon, “Taking Time for More Tea,” Detroit Home Magazine Fall 2013, Page 71-73, 8/22/2013
Photographs By Martin Vecchio
