Detroit Design // June 2021
We are humbled and honored to have received a Detroit Design Award for Kitchen Design. Thank you @DetroitDesign for this recognition. (Photography by Beth Singer)
The mid-century modern kitchen renovation of the 1940’s bungalow in Birmingham was completed in 2020. The 150 sq foot space may have been challenged on square footage, however, the new layout allowed for an effective flow, which incorporated an island with storage and seating that eliminated the need for a small crowded dining table. The use of additional seating for four includes two clear acrylic backless counter stools, which visually disappears on the working side of the island.
Originally, the kitchen felt isolated from the living room, due to the one small 30″ opening from the living room. By adding another passage to the kitchen, the space feels open and adjoined with the living room and dining room. The architectural detail of the open area above the floating custom grey pantry cabinet helped conceal the glulam beam that was required for additional support within the two passage ways. New larger windows bring more light, while connecting with the front porch garden. The linear grain of rift sawn oak, painted gray cabinetry and white quartz countertops, highlight the geometric pattern of the white Thassos and Carrera Art Deco mosaic tile, the wow factor of the space. The gray and white marble is a complimentary backdrop to the punch of color from the Italian hand blown glass drink ware. An exposed range hood would have crowded the area, so a low profile retractable sliding hood hidden behind the cabinetry allowed the upper cabinetry to flow seamlessly. For a sleek look, stainless horizontal edge pulls on the cabinetry, follow the lines of the appliances.
The final touch was a surprise recessed niche wth a marble and textured glass mosaic tile that compliments the tones of the rift sawn shelves. This showcases little bursts of color in the earthy green art pieces, which are not just for the humans to enjoy, but also, the pets. Dimmable under cabinet task lighting and 4” recessed ceiling lights could stand alone, however, the bubble glass and matte brass organic shape island fixture, black Murano glass chandelier, and black/brass sconce are the added “jewelry” to the final detail. The end result is a flow of function and modern design.
