With stunning views of the Pacific, this luxury vacation home offered the perfect locale but a traditional design that did not suit the owner. Designer Sandra Espinet took on the challenge of outfitting the home with contemporary touches and accommodating the family’s high-end needs.
When designing for a home with an in-home chef, Espinet advises talking with the staff about their needs as well. “Chefs tend to have bigger pots than typical homeowners, so I have to make sure everything is big enough,” she said.
The TV is backed by bright teal glass to reflect the water outside. The lacquer cabinetry on either side hides ingredients on one side and plateware on the other for the convenience of the cook and the owner.
Juxtaposing the two palettes, the middle island provides a space for both the chef and the family. Topped with a large stove and the same marble counters as the perimeter, the prep area sits lower than the breakfast bar.
“Most people tell you not to use limestone in the kitchen because it’s porous,” explained Espinet. “I find that in a spot like that where people are not going to cook and it’s not used often, it’s not a problem but a luxurious touch.”
The vast cabinetry mimics exotic zebrawood with a two-tone finish, which reflects the colors of the sand outside.