A family finally hired Jim Groan and designer Rosella Gonzalez of San Diego-based Jackson Design and Remodeling to reconfigure their central living space into what both the clients and their adult daughter wanted.
The formerly cramped, dark space was transformed into a clean, modern kitchen for the clients’ daughter, who will eventually take over the home.
Instead of a typical vaulted ceiling with a ridge in the middle, residential designer Arnold Garza came up with the idea to shift the ceiling planes to create a line of clerestory windows that shed natural light over the entire living space in a very classic, mid-century modern architectural geometry.
According to Groen, the herb garden provides a transition from the seating area to the main work space and works well to screen food prep or clutter on the other side.
The team also wanted to create an accent point to complement the color of the soapstone countertop and the herb garden, which is where the ebony-stained hood comes in.
The plumbing fixture finish is oil-rubbed bronze to play off the color scheme of the cabinets, and the mid- to high-end appliances were chosen for their quality and the clients’ love of cooking.
Three organic-shaped pendants illuminate the bar side of the island, and the focal point of the kitchen – the hood – is further emphasized with LEDs backlighting the floating shelves on either side.
The darker soapstone countertop was used for the seating and eating bar area, and the prep areas feature a white quartz with light veining. The backsplash is a porcelain material that imitates concrete.