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Idea Home 2006
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Cambria natural
quartz countertops are a small
detail that makes a big visual impact.
A smooth, glass, electric cooktop
seems barely there on the countertop.
Glass finishes on appliances and
upper cabinetry reflect trees and
water from the windows opposite.
Every choice emphasizes simplicity
of design.
A Guest-Friendly Kitchen
A streamlined kitchen Our kitchen needed to sport a nonkitchen attitude because it opens to the great-room. We built in superior function and volumes of storage so kitchen clutter could be contained and not disrupt the main living area's aesthetic. We eliminated upper cabinets in most of the kitchen in favor of windows to take in the amazing water view. Lower cabinets were configured to be more furniture-like, matching in style and finish the bookcases in the connecting great-room.
SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL
It looks uncomplicated, but our kitchen has lots of out-of-sight organization. Here are our simplifying ideas:
We kept our KraftMaid honey spice-stained cherry cabinetry understated with an unadorned, flat-panel door that plays up the cherry's gorgeous natural grain. Storage is designed into a visually uninterrupted line of drawers and cabinets customized with glass and dish storage, tray slots, utensil holders, pot and pan dividers, spice drawers, recycling bins and a cabinet featuring a cantilevered shelf that brings a hefty mixer up to counter height without heavy lifting. We envisioned vacation uses for our large painted-finish island, such as breakfast buffets and lunch spreads for house guests, parties and more. It has a handy plate holder and wine rack, along with counter seating and more storage.
Guest-friendly One thing is certain about vacation homes: They're sure to be the go-to place for both annual family celebrations and for impromptu company. So while we planned our home's main floor primarily as a one-level living space for an empty-nester couple, it also was designed with specific spaces and amenities to accommodate both informal get-togethers or dinner parties with ease.
QUIET SMARTS
Less-obvious style choices and functional solutions work to enhance the overall ambiance of our Idea Home.
SENSIBLE CONVENIENCE Small-but-clever details can make life a little easier. A few examples: The plate rack placed conveniently across from the sink, or the second refrigerator under the counter that's ideal for on-the-run, help-yourself beverages and snacks. (The kitchen's main refrigerator has a cold-water/ice dispenser in the door as well.) We outfitted the pantry with a glass-pane door and transom to let light from the kitchen's bank of windows flow into that windowless work space. We also designed our island with an open end to accommodate two or three people for counter seating.
A peninsula with a cold water faucet and trough sink separates the kitchen from the dining room. Its location makes it perfect as a bar or serving space. Nearby is the door to the walk-in pantry, which offers more counter space, additional open and closed storage and a convenience oven, which is handy for quick cooking and warming.
ORGANIC DESIGN In Door County's past, bringing nature into the home usually meant the popular rustic log cabin look. We designed this home with an airy, soothing retreat feel that presents a simpler visual environment. We kept colors soft and pure, minimized clutter and reinterpreted natural themes as a subtle presence in the design. For instance, birch tree wallpaper and a gilded branch chandelier accent the dining area. In the hall bath, a hardly there, tone-on-tone floral wallpaper creates a calming backdrop to sculptural branches and a Kohler Purist Wading Basin lavatory, which features a shallow depth suited for powder rooms.
