La Cornue! It's Blue!

2019 ASID NJ Silver Award for Design Excellence - Large Kitchen

KITCHEN PROBLEM:

After the dog set fire to the kitchen and destroyed the range (no one was hurt and the house suffered only minor smoke damage), the clients decided it was time for a major upgrade. Other problems included awkward layout, lack of counter space, range too close to wall, no exhaust hood, the sink window sill was too high and the space was cold and drafty.

KITCHEN SOLUTIONS:

After removing the wall between the small kitchen and the large eat-in Butler's Pantry, the 31' x 11' space was reconfigured for food prep/cooking/cleanup at one end and seating and dish storage at the other. The family’s appliance wish list was fulfilled: professional range, 36" SubZero refrigerator only, 30" undercounter Wolf freezer drawers (larger freezer in the basement), 30" Wolf warming drawer, dishwasher with cabinet panel, 33” farm sink with sensor touch faucet, microwave/convection oven and small Wolf countertop oven.

The custom banquette provides seating for eating, hanging out, and TV viewing. The blue faux-leather durable, plump seat cushions and fabric-protected back toile cushions keep it comfortable, and stylish. Custom stained and upholstered chairs round out the seating for 6. Integrated USB ports keep everyone’s devices charged up. The large marble topped table with custom trestle base gives everyone enough room to spread out.

The space was cozied up with non-toxic insulation in walls and garage ceiling below, energy efficient windows and 2-zone radiant floor heat under honed slate tiles. To further eliminate drafts, we converted a pair of drafty casement windows from operable to fixed.

Small changes to the remaining windows made a big difference. The sill on the new large fixed picture window was lowered to counter height and so provides generous daylight and a great view of the backyard and the New York City winter skyline. Raising the sill on the side window to above counter height allowed for an additional 8' of counter space and a U-shaped work area.

The 11' narrow width provided a challenge in the cabinet and appliance layout. The client preferred a symmetrical layout with the sink centered below the window which did not allow for a dishwasher next to the sink. Since the client was already used to the existing configuration of dishwasher on adjacent wall, we planned for that in the new kitchen as well.

To organize equipment, food and counters we installed pull-out cabinets for spices, utensils/knives, cutting boards, trash and recycling; a tall food pantry with roll-out shelves and a custom bookcase for cookbooks. Some of the existing original Butler’s Pantry cabinetry was refurbished or expanded for display and storage.

Although there are many delicious details in this kitchen, the star of the show is undoubtedly the 48" cobalt blue hand built La Cornue range with copper trim. It was worth the 20 week wait! A close 2nd is the stunning custom art tile mosaic mural above the range based on the clients' love of pheasants. Other decorative details include dentil molding, custom painted wood range hood, fluted front apron sink, 4x16 slate tiles in a herringbone pattern, and shaped bottom valances. The blue, white and gray color scheme is punctuated with pops of pumpkin orange in the painted backs of cabinetry and in the custom chandelier.

We incorporated many sustainable and healthy options: non-toxic sealer for marble & slate; non-toxic insulation; LED recessed and undercabinet lighting; new energy efficient door, windows, and appliances; recycled content backsplash tile; Low VOC paint and water filter at sink.

SIZE: 341 square feet

General Contractor: European Craftsman, LLC
Art tile mural: Anne Oshman Mosaics
Custom banquette fabrication: Fine Custom Carpentry
Drapery Workroom: R. Garner Custom Designs, LLC