Create an ideabook for your next remodeling project!
Browse more than 1,000,000 photos from top designers and save your favorites
Kitchen of the Week: A Cheery Combined Space in Brooklyn
Smart storage and open shelving keeps this living and kitchen space light and bright
The artistic Brooklyn couple who lives in this happy home loved their new neighborhood but had some problems organizing their apartment. The living room and kitchen are combined, it was important to keep things from becoming crowded while still incorporating plenty of storage. The couple hired architect Sarah Zames of General Assembly to create an open and inviting kitchen and living area for them and their 2-year-old daughter.
Sturdy materials, bright accents and a modern décor were key, and the clients also wanted their kitchen to embrace the park view and sunlight they had fallen in love with. "The location definitely played into the design of this home, which is unusual for a residential renovation in New York," says Zames. "We're usually very unaware of our outside environment once we're inside."
Sturdy materials, bright accents and a modern décor were key, and the clients also wanted their kitchen to embrace the park view and sunlight they had fallen in love with. "The location definitely played into the design of this home, which is unusual for a residential renovation in New York," says Zames. "We're usually very unaware of our outside environment once we're inside."
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| The clients wanted to get as much light and storage out of this space as possible. Since it's in the center of the apartment, Zames wanted to open up the kitchen with open shelving and light colors. "Doing open shelving was really key because we were able to increase the counter space by wrapping the kitchen around like that, while not cutting off the light and circulation of the stairs," says Zames. The white cabinetry contrasts with sleek concrete countertops and a cast-iron sink. Sticking with a simple but modern material palette streamlines the space visually, while colorful accents keep it warm and cheerful. Sink: Kohler Anthem in Cast Iron Faucet: Grohe |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Open shelving was custom designed for this unique space. Each shelf is made out of 2-inch thick solid oak and suspended from steel supports mounted into a steel plate in the ceiling.
"Don't be afraid of open shelving," says Zames. "You don't have to be the neatest person in the world. It's good motivation to keep an eye out for cool dishes and storage pieces that you would normally only bring out for a party."
"Don't be afraid of open shelving," says Zames. "You don't have to be the neatest person in the world. It's good motivation to keep an eye out for cool dishes and storage pieces that you would normally only bring out for a party."
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| The combined kitchen and living room space is just over 300 square feet, so Zames tucked storage into every nook and cranny to keep this area from feeling cramped. Shelves in the island hold wine and glasses, and a slide-out full-height pantry was put next to the refrigerator. Refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, range: Bosch |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
A cheerful breakfast booth tucks into a nook next to a sun-drenched bay window. The built-in bench flips up to reveal storage for paper towels, tablecloths and other goods. The cushion is upholstered in Marimekko fabric from Crate & Barrel. "It's great because it has a waxy finish that's very easy to clean," says Zames. "This is very important for a family with a 2-year-old!"
The pendant lights are vintage fixtures the clients found. The flooring is existing hardwood that Zames re-stained.
The pendant lights are vintage fixtures the clients found. The flooring is existing hardwood that Zames re-stained.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
The kitchen embraces the bay window looking out over the park across the street. "When you sit at the kitchen table, you can hear the kids playing across the street — a pretty unusual thing for New York," says Zames.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| The close-knit kitchen and living room works really well for the family. It's easy for the clients to cook and clean the kitchen while their daughter is within watching distance in the living room. The rest of the house is split-level, so the bedrooms are just upstairs and a studio space is below. "Everything is in shouting distance," says Zames. More Kitchens of the Week: Bright and Modern in 90 Square Feet Cheerfully Modern in Oregon Small Kitchen, Big View |
Ideabook published on Feb. 10, 2012.
What are you working on?
News From Our Partners
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
View over a million photos:
basements · bedrooms · dining rooms · entries · family rooms · garage and sheds · halls · home offices · landscapes · laundry rooms · powder rooms · wine cellars and more.
