Kitchen & Bath Design News is the industry's leading business, design and product resource for the kitchen and bath trade.
Issue link: http://kitchenbathdesign.epubxp.com/i/480676
28 | Kitchen & Bath Design News | March 2015 By Kim Berndtson W hile there wasn't neces- sarily anything "broken" with this Herndon, VA, kitchen, the homeowners never really liked its design, and the builder-grade materials were less than exciting. So when the couple – who share their home with their two school-age children – approached April Case Underwood about remodeling the space, she jumped on board with ideas that fulflled his desire for function and her wish for beauty. "He was all about function," says Underwood, CR, CKBR, of Case Design, in Bethesda, MD. "He loves to cook and he wanted top-of-the-line appli- ances such as the separate full-size Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer and the dual-fuel Wolf range with integral grill. For her, the key to happiness was methodically planning each and every cabinet, making sure every need was secured with the perfect accessory or feature." FOCAL-POINT HOOD The focal-point ventilation hood and island countertop were also 'beauty' elements that were important to her. "We were at a demonstration din- ner at an appliance distributor and they had a similar hood in one of their displays," she comments with regard to the custom Vent-A-Hood ventila- tion hood that features stainless steel with oil-rubbed bronze metal bands and rivets. "It stopped my client in her tracks! As soon as she saw it, she knew it was what she wanted in her kitchen. It is defnitely the focal point of the space." The hood is set against honed 3"x6" Claros Silver subway-style travertine tile, accented with Coral Springs glass/stainless steel/shell mosaic tile set a few inches above the Brown Lapiz granite that tops the perimeter cabinets. "The granite is a chocolate brown with darker veining," she says. "It appears as a solid color, but is still interesting." This material choice falls in line with many others made by the de- signer's clients. "They gave their space some interest," Underwood says. "Some people want their design to be so neutral that it is universally accepted by everyone. They might be scared to go with anything other than beige or gray. While you don't want to go crazy, you do want to make the space your own." QUARTZITE OFFERS CONTRAST Underwood's client also meticulous- ly searched for the perfect island countertop material. "We searched for about two months," the designer recalls. "My client knew what she wanted…something striking but not crazy, and she was having a hard time fnding it…until she saw this White Macaubas quartzite." The island top's generous size al- lows seating for four, while its gentle curve maximizes the size, guiding an Project Case Study { Spotlight on creative, problem-solving kitchens and baths } He loves to cook. She wanted beautiful elements. Combining their wishes resulted in a transformed space that's both functional and aesthetically appealing. Kitchen Combines Aesthetic And Functional Improvements FUNCTION His goals for the kitchen revolved around function, notes Underwood. "He loves to cook," she says, "and he wanted top-of-the-line appliances such as the separate full-size Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer and the dual-fuel Wolf range with integral grill." A Sharp microwave drawer in the island is included in the appliance mix. WHITE MACAUBAS QUARTZITE Linear striations ofer a striking visual, without being too 'crazy' CUSTOM VENTILATION HOOD Serves as the focal point for the space FULL-SIZE REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER Fulfll client's desire for function, while making it easier to enjoy his love of cooking Photo: Alain Jaramillo