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42 | Kitchen & Bath Design News | April 2015 kitchens lack size, it's important to make the space uber functional," she explains. "Aside from opulent fnishes, luxury can include clever storage or multipurpose fxtures, such as a sink with multiple tiers and accessories. Likewise, interior cabinet pull-outs and organizers help cooks quickly find items they use all the time. Several high-end appliance manu- facturers have also introduced speed convection ovens that double as a mi- crowave and/or convection oven. They are amazing space savers and deliver gourmet cooking results." Winslow loves 'hidden' gems as well. "Servo drives on the most-used cabinetry for one-touch operation is a special luxury," he says. "I also love pantries with soft open and close operation and easy adjustability for shelving. This is even better when used with a pocket door for full three-side access. One latch allows the shelves to move up or down easily. I also love blind corner accessories because less space is wasted and it gives clear ac- cess to items. Sink drawers are also more convenient for efortlessly bring- ing out storage space to the user." WORTH THE EFFORT While luxury can be a bit of a mov- ing target, and while it may seem challenging to incorporate it in small spaces, these designers agree that adding touches of luxury is worth the efort. "Adding special touches to a small kitchen brings joy to mundane tasks," says Fraser. "In a small space we also tend to focus on function, but the form of even simple elements is what feeds the soul." "Just because it's small doesn't mean it can't be fun," stresses Ramaekers. "You may have to think a little harder about how to create luxu- ry, but there's a lot you can do, even in a small space." In recent years, the kitchen has become the heart of the home and the place where everyone gathers. "Everyone hangs out in the kitchen, even in a small one, so why not make it beautiful to encourage people to congregate…they're going to any- way!" says Bross. "And, without luxury touches, a kitchen simply vanishes." The kitchen has also become a great place for people to really showcase their personalities. "Luxu- ry can transform a normal, everyday room into an interesting space that becomes an extension of the home- owner's style," says Crother. "In particular, the kitchen has become the room in the house where people can show of their individual style, wealth and creativity." And while there might not be a luxurious amount of space to work with, adding luxury to a small space can be easier. "I would argue that it might be easier to add luxury to a small space," says Bross. "There are fewer options so it isn't as over- whelming." In some ways, a small space might feel more luxurious just because it's more flled up, notes Crother. "I've designed big homes and little ones, and in some ways, it's nicer to do smaller homes because clients use them more," she says. "But regard- less of size, luxury design requires more time and effort in terms of research and communication. And, it requires a larger budget, so it's im- portant to discuss this ahead of time." Bowen agrees that it can take some extra thought, but is not impossible. "Luxury can be incorporated into any space," she says. "It really just depends on what the client deems 'luxury.' For example, if a massive commercial range is high on a client's priority list, it might be challenging to accom- modate the scale. But, if we can fnd compromises or suitable alternatives to achieve their desired outcome, then it's not difcult to achieve a high-end or gourmet space." Small Kitchen Inspirations In this kitchen, Priscilla Crother's client was looking for something exceptional to entertain in, and to show of some of her collections. Visitors are immediately drawn to the custom, hand painted tile and beautiful recessed inset above the Italian range and beneath its matching hood. But much of the space's luxury comes from the extensive planning that was done with every detail, including how the Calcutta marble on the raised countertop was cut to coordinate with the soapstone countertops; to the walnut rivets added to the foor; to the location of the bay window where the couple drinks their morning cofee; to the layered lighting; to the three peninsulas that create an inviting space where family and friends can enjoy the design elements from any point in the kitchen, or can join in the conversation but not be in the way of the cook; to the design of the cabinetry, including its color, hardware, hinges, etc. Luxury is about what isn't necessarily seen at frst glance in this kitchen designed by Richard Winslow. 'The use of drawers is quite nice,' he says, 'especially the use of peg drawers for dish storage, pot and pan storage, small appliances and accessories. Cutlery dividers and Servo drives are quite useful, too. But my favorite luxury is LED lighting, which is featured here as light bars to illuminate the space when the drawer is open.' Photo: Christopher Davison, AIA Photo: Vincent Ivicevic, V.I.Photography & Design Photo: DC Robinson Photography This 200-square-foot kitchen starts with luxury products such as a Thermador Pro cooking suite, exotic Blue Calcutta marble and a glass mosaic backsplash. 'These are the wow factors,' she says. 'The blue marble grounds the space with an unexpected twist on the usual white marble. Its highly polished blue feld and white veining resemble a negative image that demands a double-take when anyone enters the space.' A multi-layered, color-corrected lighting plan also plays a critical role in elevating the design. 'The layers of light are key to this design,' she says. 'Lighting plays a role in refecting the true colors of the materials. This gorgeous blue marble could have easily looked gray if the proper attention had not been paid to the color temperature of the lamps or to the placement of the fxtures.'