Kitchen Cabinets Reno

Biophilic Bathrooms

The tile consultant sees the same approach in bathrooms. “The perfect applications for these touches are things like niches and focal walls,” he suggests. The other approach is to employ a palette that supports plants as a wellness design feature. Powder rooms with biophilic tile as a feature wall are also popular, he adds.

Surfacing and details also show up as favorite Kennedy approaches to full bathrooms. She cites faucets inspired by waterfalls and picket- shaped tiles that evoke falling leaves. Powder rooms needing some drama can also look to nature, the Seattle designer notes. “Have fun with glass sinks as this is one of the few rooms you can get away with it. Glass can reflect light and give a sense of water as well.” She also suggests incorporating a sculptural plant and nature-inspired wallpaper.

“Aquatic themed elements in bathrooms, prints of fish and seashells, clamshell-inspired sinks and tiles with images of sea life are all traditional ways of connecting to a nature,” Browning suggests. “In a more contemporary setting, stained wood vanities with stone tops, marble and other stone tile work are biophilic. Pebble floors in showers are both a visual and tactile way to experience nature. Wallpaper patterns, curtains and fabric shades can all have biophilic elements,” he adds.

Rosenberg comments: “Bathrooms used to focus on function alone. Now, these task-specific areas are being designed for respite as well. Water is a powerful biophilic feature, of course, but other ways to boost its impact are to add skylights or enlarge windows, use water-resistant wood or wood-look materials, add organic patterns or texture in wallpaper or install stone slabs or tiles with the movement of natural veining.”

Surtani shares Highland’s approach to biophilia-inspired bathrooms: “We create this by bringing in spa-inspired elements like steam showers with rainfall showerheads, stone, natural wood tones and by utilizing color and plants. We also like to incorporate lighting that can be adjusted to mimic various times of day through the temperature of the lighting.”

Japandi Flair Opens Up Tiny Kitchen

BEFORE
A 1960s apartment in New York, NY is the setting for this kitchen remodel. Designers Stefanie Werner and David Burdett of DAS Studio were called upon to update the dark, narrow galley in the vintage apartment, which offered a space of only 2’7″ between the countertops – barely enough room for even one cook, let alone multiple cooks or company. While the main objective was to widen this opening, additional objectives included incorporating Japanese-inspired design, as well as integrating the kitchen into the living space.

AFTER
In order to provide a wider pass-through space between the counters, the design team worked creatively with appliance and cabinet depths – 24″-deep cabinets were pushed into the adjacent room, and the refrigerator, sink, dishwasher and wall oven were incorporated into this space. A built-in horizontal cooktop was also incorporated. With these changes, the new distance between the counters is a much more comfortable 3’3″.

By opening up adjacent walls – in particular, the walls separating the living room area and a wall between the entrance hall and the kitchen peninsula – a more open feel with more light and a better flow was created.

The clean lines and aesthetic feel of Japanese design is evoked through the choice of wood and other textures. A Japanese woodworker crafted custom cabinetry in a light color with an evenly spaced grain, and tiles with a handcrafted feel complete the look. The wood shelves look playfully random, but are in fact aligned with the grout line and tile spacing.

Before & After

Condo Kitchen Becomes Bright and Beachy

BEFORE
Chistopher Grubb’s client purchased this 620 sq.-ft. 1970s beachside condo in Oceanside, CA with the intention of gutting the outdated space for a fresh start. The client craved a more functional and spacious kitchen for both cooking and entertaining, with plenty of storage, seating and unique finishes. Additionally, because of the condominium’s beachside location, the material selections needed to be durable and easy to clean.

AFTER
Grubb, president of Beverly Hills-based firm Arch-Interiors Design Group, Inc., tackled some hefty challenges with this remodel – there simply was not much space to work with in the entire condo. Additionally, because the kitchen is located in a third-floor unit, plumbing and electrical could not easily be relocated.

The cabinetry was extended into what was a small eating area, with matching wall paneling and paneled appliances. By extending the cabinetry and incorporating hidden drawers beneath the banquette, as well as enlarging a peninsula countertop, the goals of finding more storage and more seating were met.

New downlights and white finished upper cabinets and light countertops brighten the space, creating the visual feel of spaciousness. Rich blue lower cabinetry calls back to the countertops, which are almost white but upon a closer look feature subtle blue veining. Satin brass oversized cabinetry pulls and hood strapping details, as well as a farmhouse sink and plumbing fixtures, bring classic warmth into the design.

2024 Best Specialty Project
Lauren Tolles and Tori Olijar
Maison Birmingham, Birmingham, MI

Inspired by natural, earthy wood tones with a light Mediterranean influence, this home’s interior, designed by Tolles and Olijar along with Amanda Sinistaj of Ellwood Interiors and Brian Neeper of Brian Neeper Architecture, features a glass entryway that opens to a large, sculptural foyer with a stone butler’s pantry. The stone carries up the backsplash and into the lit, black metal cabinets flush with glassware. This area includes 24″ Thermador refrigerator drawers and a 24″ U-Line wine cooler to enhance entertaining.

Connected to the foyer and kitchen via a soaring, scalloped ceiling, the great room maintains the neutral palette of the overall space and repeats finishes in different forms found in the other areas, which helps unify the rooms.

The custom cabinetry reflects both a modern and moody style, with glass-front uppers in black providing a well-lit space for display. The cabinetry, which flanks the fireplace, also includes fully enclosed lower frameless cabinetry that acts as a hideaway for children’s toys.

The soft, neutral rug blends with the flooring to create an airy, open feel, while the nubby texture provides warmth and coziness within the open space. Atop the rug, a curved sofa and chairs anchor the living space and provide seating for entertaining.