Through the use of bold colors, striking ornamentation, and confident geometrical accents, this updated Plaza kitchen promotes a glorious art deco style.
Story by Ann Butenas | Photography by Paul Bonnichsen
Kitchens are known for their versatility in terms of style and purpose, as well being heralded as the designated “heartbeat” of the home. However, there are times when a culinary space stretches itself beyond the ordinary and transcends to a place that involves more than just the usual recipe for use and service.
Located near the historic Country Club Plaza, this Sulgrave Regency condominium recently enjoyed a thorough makeover. At the center of attention is its fabulously remodeled kitchen that has set the stage for all of the important players – cabinets, countertops, lighting, appliances and, yes, even artwork – giving them the top billing they deserve.
When owners Ron Davis and Robin Bailey decided to completely gut and remodel their condominium, they knew they needed to align with the right design team to ensure their vision came to fruition. Partnering with the experts at Kitchens by Kleweno gave them the confidence to realize the kitchen of their dreams was easily within reach.
Kitchen designer Genevieve Hamel, AKBD, known for her insightful and innovative design compositions and perspectives, embraced this project with unwavering passion and enthusiasm. She also had her work cut out for her, but that only served to provide her a strong architectural platform on which to stand. Hamel noted the entire residence had virtually been untouched since the 1960s, so it was time to cast a new light upon its bones.
“The clients asked for an artistic flair with respect to the design of this kitchen,” indicated Hamel, who collaborated on this project with Kitchens by Kleweno owner and designer Randy Sisk, whose team efforts in this regard seamlessly tie in with the rest of the rooms throughout the floor plan. “This kitchen remodel was part of a complete remodel of the condominium. We started with the kitchen and then expanded into the other rooms.”
Davis and Bailey enjoyed the process of selecting products, colors, textures, and accents for their updated kitchen. They appreciated how the Kleweno team effectively and artfully created a unique perspective, something which supported the reason they initially moved into this place.
“We bought this 15th floor condo overlooking the Plaza because of the view,” noted Davis.
However, that noteworthy view does not just limit itself to the outside now. The interior spaces offer a delightful panorama of the distinct taste and style that is truly reflective of how the homeowners desire to live.
“Randy and Genevieve came up with the best design (for the kitchen) to bring out the art deco look we wanted,” expressed Davis.
It doesn’t take long to notice one of the strongest highlights of the kitchen: the one-of-a-kind backsplash, taking this kitchen from more of a former galley space to a gallery space!
“Originally there was a contemporary tile on the backsplash. Randy and I had something in mind to present there,” stated Hamel, who drew up several sketches of potential designs from which the homeowners made their choice.
“We wanted a beautiful and striking backsplash,” stated Davis. “We chose this design from what Genevieve drew and then Jake and Julie Bond at Archival Designs handmade all of the ceramic pieces involved, all of which were put up piece by piece.”
The show-stopper is flanked by two glass display cabinets that serve to showcase more of the owners’ decorative pieces.
“The art deco style of this kitchen grows into the other rooms and blends well with the art pieces Ron and Robin have,” stated Hamel.
Distinguished pieces of their own, several top-of-the-line appliances dominate throughout the kitchen including Wolf, Asko and Sub-Zero products, all of which cater to the owners’ inner culinary geniuses.
“We enjoy cooking for friends,” noted Davis, referring to the overall functionality of this kitchen, which easily plays into the huge open space offered by the adjacent living and dining room areas, perfect for larger gatherings.
Other exciting amenities within this stylish kitchen include radius doors on both ends of the taller units; multiple pantries; a warming drawer; a hidden trash area accessible from both inside the kitchen and in the hallway outside of the condominium; and a wine refrigerator.
The charcoal grey colored cabinets in and of themselves present somewhat of an artistic statement, as well, as the face of them are all high-pressure plastic laminate.
“They each have a vertical, bamboo look,” noted Sisk. “It’s an interesting but subtle laminate.”
To the far right of the sink are additional cabinets that provide added performance.
“These cabinets contain about six feet of appliance garage space to allow the countertops to remain uncluttered,” said Sisk, who noted the Cambria quartz countertop is about 40 inches deep, and the garage has an additional 20 inches of depth.
An oven sits under the countertop and a microwave is situated above the wall cabinets. The range top is located in the peninsula, allowing for ease of cooking for friends while simultaneously entertaining.
The curved, rounded glass shelving to the left of the refrigerator was Sisk’s idea, and the owners were thrilled with the added attraction in that regard.
“We did not want any sharp corners,” indicated Bailey. “The rounded corners add to the art deco style we wanted. At the same time, however, the space is also very functional.”
Resources
- Kitchen Design: Kitchens by Kleweno
- Remodeler: Schneier Complete Remodel
- Appliances: Sub-Zero / Wolf
- Back Splash Design: Genevieve Hamel – Kitchens by Kleweno
- Back Splash Custom Fabrication: Archival Design
