Kevin Sawyers of Sawyers Interior Design
Here is a bit about the project from Kevin:
The clients, a young San Francisco couple, came to Sawyers Design with an ample wish list, including the need to complete the project for a graduation party that was just three months away.
Their desired aesthetic would evoke the feeling of a modern lodge, architecturally uncluttered with a warm atmosphere. The kitchen also needed to accommodate a list of luxe appliances including a 36” Sub Zero refrigerator, double Bosch ovens, a full height Viking wine cellar, Bosch dishwasher and a Miele cooktop. These all needed to be placed on one wall or in the island, but the clients wanted the island top to be an expansive service space for entertaining. This meant we had to be clever about the overall layout, appliance placement, storage and the selection of materials.
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The project started with the demolition of the conventional, flat kitchen ceiling as well as a wall that sharply divided it from the main living room and entrance. The once segmented cottage kitchen and living room could now be transformed to a grand 100’ long entertaining space, with a 16’ tall cathedral ceiling along its axis. The redesigned layout accommodates a new dining area with the former dining room becoming a wine tasting nook.
To soften the look of the kitchen appliances, Bellmont Cabinetry was used. It allowed us to use overlay panels on the refrigerator and dishwasher, reducing some of the stainless steel. The sharp stainless steel acuity of the wine cellar door was kept to provide a touch of sparkle and reflect the seriousness of it’s lofty contents.
Warmth was brought to the room through the use of materials with the feel or impression of wood in medium to dark tones. For the wall of cabinets the color Terra Charcoal was used while the island cabinets are a lighter Terra Stone. For flooring, we extended the Italian Candia Valpanaro Cottage Wenge ceramic tile from the rest of the home. Caesarstone in Raven was used for the countertops and the “Waterfall” legs on the island, emphasizing the island’s monolithic proportions and central location on the axis of the room.
One of the favored project materials was the mosaic tile surrounding the window above the sink. This “backsplash” applied from countertop to ceiling and corner to corner, a Sawyers Design signature treatment, was painstakingly aligned with the cabinetry and window jamb.
Last but certainly not least was an exquisite ET2 Contemporary Lighting, 24-globe pendant light positioned over the island. This radiant centerpiece grounds the kitchen as the heart of the grand reconstructed space. Hanging over the plinth of the island the light fixture becomes sculpture.
As a summation and testament to the success of the project, a friend of the client said, “This home finally projects the temperament it always should have”.
