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Issue link: http://kitchenbathdesign.epubxp.com/i/148829
Countertops Photos: David Price, Black Olive Studios Photos: Suki Medencevic Desired look: A goal with the new layout was to stretch and link spaces within the home. "The counters helped in this regard as they wrapped Materials used: the cabinetry and conPalladian Gray (with a tinued into other spaces, 15% increase in blue/ green glass) Vetrazzo pulling one space into recycled glass (installed another," says Smith. by Midwest Fabrication) "We also improved the aesthetics and function of the home by overlapping and connecting rooms, such as the kitchen to the foyer and the eating area to the family room." Designer: Jereme Smith, ALA, Design Insight, Prospect Heights, IL Designer: Elina Katsioula-Beall, designer, DeWitt Designer Kitchens, Inc., Pasadena, CA Materials used: 1-1/2" ThinkGlass accented with violet lighting (raised island); Lavender Mist granite (perimeter and island); butcher block (perimeter insets) Desired look: Katsioula-Beall's client came into a meeting wearing an amethyst ring, set in silver and surrounded by black onyx, exclaiming, "This is it! The color of my new kitchen!" That gemstone ring became the color palette, which consists of lavender, purple, black and graphite, as well as the inspiration for the glass countertop, which replicates her favorite gemstone. Challenges: The space was a little too narrow to ft a wide island as well as full-depth cabinetry on both long walls, so Katsioula-Beall reduced the cabinetry depth on one side and introduced mid-high pantries with a mosaic mural above. These modifcations allowed for a larger island, and facilitated the client's request for easier-to-reach storage. Achieving the look: A high-output RGB multi-color lighting strip, concealed beh i nd a meta l channel, is always set on a purple color. "It radiates through the glass counter to enrich the kitchen," she explains. Set on its own d i m mer sw itch, the lights can be d i m med to t he de si red out put . An additional remote-controlled, color-changer wheel device can adjust the purple hue from a lighter to a darker tone, giving the counter a distinctive look according to the mood. The full-color, rainbow spectrum is included, with a slight turn of the wheel to a desired setting. Most creative aspect: The L-shaped, minimally raised separation between the prep area and the eating area is accented by two diferent materials: granite for the prep area and glass for the eating area. The glass counter is raised 1-1/2" to further defne the separation and to feature a thin metal channel on its inner edge. 42 | Kitchen & Bath Design News August 2013 Challenges: The original foor plan consisted of a tight layout of four medium to small rooms with many doors and/or encasements. One of Smith's frst moves was to eliminate these obstacles, as well as a central dividing wall that was replaced by a 10' beam, which in turn allowed for a generous island/breakfast bar. Achieving the look: "The uniqueness of the Vetrazzo glass is best seen in person," Smith notes. "Throughout the day, the south and west facing windows allow amazing natural light to animate the counter. It sparkles and refects diferently all day…usually revealing a new glimmer at every visit!" Most creative aspect: "The most innovative component of these countertops is the subtle angles, in conjunction with the vertical waterfall elements," he notes. "The fve-degree angle originated right away in the schematic sketches. It stemmed from the entry to make circulation as efortless as possible. It's also seen with the island – and cabinetry – as it swells into the family room, then tapers back as a shallow counter. This technique doesn't necessarily add space as its main goal. The idea is that it works as ef f icient ly w it h the existing space as possible while aiding flow/functional storage. For instance, in lieu of a rectangular closet in the foyer, we have an altered trapezoid. This borrows the formerly unused triangle of space, for deeper storage, then recedes back toward the entry for front door trafc (coming and going). It was certainly a custom labor of love, but the clients are very happy with how the architecture fts them, and not the other way around."