CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:
James McIntyre, Marc Soloway, Robert Moric, Jon Bernhard
KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL As more kitchens collaborate with the dining area in terms of function and look, designers are constantly stepping up their game, carefully helping clients through a plethora of design choices to create playful, innovative and sophisticated spaces that stand up to any other room in the house. We turned to these pros for insight. James McIntyre: The inspiration for my own kitchen (left) was a moody, dark gentleman’s club—I love a bit of a “lounge” feeling. It reminds me of the moodiness of the famous Arizona Biltmore hotel, which is only a few blocks from my home. The disadvantage, of course, is all the fingerprints on the high-gloss black lacquer. My clients rarely let me use black lacquer because of that, but this time I thought: Why not? It’s my house! Marc Soloway: We’ve created hidden pantries and, in one project, a wall of counter-to-ceiling glass that makes the kitchen feel as if it’s a part of the outside. We’ve also made areas of glass operable so you can open up the entire wall, which allows the kitchen counter to seamlessly connect with the patio counter. Robert Moric: A lot is expected of the modern kitchen: more functions, tools and solutions. One trend is to have two cabinet fronts in contrasting
finishes; for example, a hard surface of anodized aluminum for one and a warm wood finish for the other. There’s also a proliferation of noncooking appliances geared around entertaining and healthy living, like those used for wine storing and cooling as well as juicing. Jon Bernhard: Our clients are either foodies and require an extensive range of cooking devices to allow for grilling, baking, braising, roasting, sauteéing and steaming—with natural gas, if possible—or those who have staff and design the kitchen so that a dirty kitchen or butler’s pantry will be concealed from the dining room. With the growing trend toward fresh, organic food and the increased experimentation with herbs, a vertical garden within the kitchen is a more frequent feature. This “fixture” provides a temperature-, light- and humidity-controlled environment for growing vertical rows of fruit, vegetables and herbs. luxesource.com / 263
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