KBB

KBB

Projects: 



March 22, 2010

A bright orange speedcook oven may not be everyone’s dream appliance, but for a couple in Palo Alto, CA, it provided the starting point for
their kitchen remodel. The wife “loves bright colors and had already picked out the oven as something she was going to have, so we worked
that into the overall color scheme,” said Lanny Danenberg, of Danenberg Design. In doing so, Lanny’s husband, Dan Danenberg, who designed the 261-sq.-ft. kitchen along with other parts of the home, also took cues from the clients’ extensive collection of contemporary art, incorporating its bold hues into an open-plan solution that not only suits the couple’s lifestyle needs, but also breathes new life into the home.

Although initially intended as only a modest upgrade, the project quickly blossomed into a complete kitchen overhaul—and eventually a whole-house remodel—when Danenberg presented the couple with his ideas. A major “selling” point, no doubt, was the reconfiguration of an exterior wall to introduce 16 linear ft. of floor-to-ceiling French doors, thus opening the kitchen to an outdoor patio and abundant daylight. “One of
the reasons our clients purchased the home, aside from its location, is that the lot has an extensive lawn area and a beautiful tennis court,”
said Dan Danenberg. To create a smooth transition between the kitchen and patio, the latter was elevated to be level with the kitchen floor,
and 18-in. x 18-in. Aria gold limestone tiles now pave the floor both inside and out.

In the kitchen, the limestone’s pale honey tones help counterbalance the vibrant orange and yellow of the walls, as well as the rich cherry wood cabinetry. According to Danenberg, the wall colors here and throughout the home complement the couple’s art and were “carefully selected so that the paintings do not appear to be contained by their frames.” A custom design, the glossy cabinets are paired with black Eclipse granite countertops in a satin finish for subtle contrast and accented with sleek linear handles that enhance the kitchen’s über-modern feel.

Adding to the cool contemporary vibe is a central island that is positioned at an angle and contains the main sink, storage and a dishwasher and
microwave. The unit also features a 9-ft.-long, 2 1/4-in.-thick crushed-glass bar counter that is supported by stainless-steel spacers and an off-center post. Dramatic in span and irregularly shaped, it serves as a place for socializing and casual dining, while above, a cluster of frosted glass fixtures radiates light and adds visual interest.

Of course, a highlight of the remodel is an asymmetrical arch that connects the kitchen to the family room. Composed of painted teal surfaces and granite tiles cut and arranged in a unique pattern created by Danenberg himself, it replaces an existing arch that, like others in the house, was Spanish-inspired in style and original to the home. The others, however, were left intact to maintain a link to the past, while this one, explained Danenberg, was re-imagined as a “sculptural interpretation” to separate the rooms.

The arch also functions as a fitting introduction to the new kitchen. Colorful, energetic and modern, Danenberg’s design not only better
reflects the “active lifestyle of the owners,” but also signals a fresh beginning for his clients and their new home.

SOURCES
Designer: Dan Danenberg—Danenberg Design, Palo Alto, CA; www.danenbergdesign.com
Manufacturers: Cabinetry: Irpinia Kitchens; Countertops and tile: ASN Natural Stone; Oven: TurboChef; Hood: Cheng Design; Cooktop: Wolf; Sinks: Franke; Faucets: Rohl; Refrigerator: KitchenAid; Microwave: Sharp; Dishwasher: Miele; Glass counter: Kersey Glassworks; Cabinet hardware: Arthur Harris; Lighting: Nemo (ceiling fixtures), Häfele (undercabinet)
Photography: © Rio Constantini, www.riophoto.net

Source List

More Projects