35. How Many Design Challenges Do You See?
There were 10 distinct problems to overcome in this space. Can you spot what they were?
Ok here are the answers:
1) A wedged shape floorplan.
2) Huge support columns.
3) Too large of kitchen area.
4) Laminated cherry floor transition location.
5) The work triangle (fridge, range and sink) was set in one-third of the overall space, leaving a question of what to do in the rest of the space.
6) Severe mid-century architecture that has no character.
7) Concrete ceiling required a drop for lighting.
8) Only one vent for the range in the pre-demoed kitchen, that dictated exactly and only where the range could go.
9) Open kitchen had to relate to the rest of the space.
10) It’s a rental – not a high budget but had to be a design that stood the test of time..
How did we solve it?
1) A wedged shape floorplan.
Go with it and create a wedge shape island – little did I know the 5 slabs of quartz countertop would have to be hoisted by a crane into the roof of the building to be brought into the penthouse.
2) Huge support column in the kitchen.
Make it a natural divider and anchor.
To help it feel connected, a live edge water-fall walnut bar top with wild crotch grain was added to contrast. Add a wine bottle cabinet to define the area as a separate bar section. Keep it connected to the kitchen painting it espresso brown.
3) Too large of kitchen area.
Brought it together by using a combination of many types of woods, glass and metals to make it interesting yet cohesive. Repetition and pattern combined into one space.
4) Laminate cherry floor transition location.
Worked the lines of the floor so they mirrored the ceiling drop exactly.
5) The work triangle – fridge, range and sink was set in one-third of the overall space leaving a question of what to do in the rest of the space.
Created subsections with furniture looking cabinets. A walnut “sideboard” under the window and a breakfast bar off the dining area all staying in the same footprint and connected by a band of espresso mosaic glass tile.
6) Severe mid century architecture that has no character.
Add a story with a hand selected local walnut live edge bar top. Also the natural exotic grains of walnut echo the view of the Stanley Park Lagoon outside the windows. Use savory colours throughout. Repeating and repeating the new elements to make them look like they belong.
7) Concrete ceiling required a drop for lighting.
Use a tightly trimmed crown moulding to transition the drop from the higher level.
8) Only one vent for the range in the pre – demoed kitchen that dictated exactly and only where the range could go.
Work with it not against it. Create anchors in each end of the kitchen with the white painted glass cabinets to bookend it and make the range center of interest.
9) Open kitchen has to relate to the rest of the space.
Use the eye catching pendent lighting and show-stopping live edge walnut slab to create a break between kitchen and living. Repeat the warm colours, mouldings and shapes throughout the apartment. Keep the vibe of the kitchen “ easy living “.
10) It’s a rental – not a high budget but had to be a design that stood the test of time..
Use a transitional contemporary style, work with cost effective durable timeless materials.
How did we do?
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