KBB

KBB

Projects: 



April 26, 2010

Although a spiraling staircase of Brazilian cherry and wrought iron can add splendor to any room, in the design of this 368-sq.-ft. kitchen in
Indianapolis, it also presented a challenge. According to Kristin Okeley, of Kitchens by Design, who was hired to furnish the interior of
a newly built home, her primary charge was “to create an architectural kitchen that would accentuate the fantastic focal point of the spiral
staircase.” Also requested were a varied color palette, plenty of counter and storage space and all the conveniences for cooking and entertaining.

Okeley’s solution elegantly responds on all three fronts, but arriving at it was no easy feat. Complicating her task, the staircase is centrally located and thus required a design that would complement it without being overpowered in appearance or utility. An extremely open plan and a series of large windows spanning one side of the kitchen also limited the available wall space for mounting upper cabinetry. As Okeley noted, “Storage and function were slightly compromised.”merit-winning kitchen design by Kristin Okeley
But rather than taming the curving cascade of wood and metal, the kitchen embraces it with a few curves of its own. The center island, for example, gently arcs to mimic the staircase’s circular form, and an elevated eating area is angled to wrap around it, enhancing spatial flow. On the latter, a smoky brown granite countertop and brown rustic table reprise the finishes on the staircase, while the island’s pale honey-toned mosaics and a fawn-colored countertop and cabinets offset it for dramatic contrast.

To ensure cohesion and unity throughout the space, both light and dark wood cabinetry was employed along the kitchen’s perimeter, as were backsplash tiles and mosaics in beige, tan and bronze. A tall armoire makes up for the lack of wall space by housing a refrigerator and a dish pantry, while its rich caramel color, like that of the eating table, visually links it to the stair treads and banister. Metal details further reinforce the sense of continuity in the design, and a suite of undercounter appliances, as well as an island cooktop and downdraft ventilation system, preserves the kitchen’s openness and spectacular views.
merit-winning kitchen design by Kristin Okeley

Not surprisingly, Okeley’s clients are pleased with their new kitchen—as they well should be. This merit-worthy design has not only given them a
striking yet comfortable place for cooking and socializing, but in doing so, it has seamlessly incorporated both the staircase and the windows, showing them to be the assets that they truly are.

SOURCES
Designer: Kristin Okeley, ASID, CKD—Kitchens by Design, Indianapolis; www.kitchensbydesign.net
Additional member of the design team: Lisa Stites
Manufacturers: Cabinetry: Custom Cupboards; Countertops: DuPont; Cooktop, ventilation system and dishwasher: KitchenAid; Microwave and oven: GE; Refrigerator and freezer drawers: Sub-Zero; Tile: Bella Ceramics, Ann Sacks
Photography: © Bookwalter Photography

Source List

More Projects