Kitchen of the Week: Warm Up By the Fire
Dark cabinetry, warm woods, and a counter-height hearth make this Portland kitchen special
Having a fireplace smack-dab in the middle of her kitchen wasn't initially on Houzz user Carole Meyer's remodel wishlist, but after visiting a friend's vacation home in Mexico, she knew it was a must-have. Her friend's home in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico had two opposing fireplaces in a long living room.
Meyer was struck by their dramatic look and decided to install one fireplace in her kitchen and one on the opposing wall in her living room. The warmth of the fireplace is echoed in her kitchen's rustic cabinetry, flooring and backsplash. "I didn't want any stainless steel in my kitchen," she says. "I wanted a more mellow look, because our house is a little Old-World-meets-modern.'"
More: 23 Inspiring Real-Life Kitchens
Meyer was struck by their dramatic look and decided to install one fireplace in her kitchen and one on the opposing wall in her living room. The warmth of the fireplace is echoed in her kitchen's rustic cabinetry, flooring and backsplash. "I didn't want any stainless steel in my kitchen," she says. "I wanted a more mellow look, because our house is a little Old-World-meets-modern.'"
More: 23 Inspiring Real-Life Kitchens
The black finish on the cabinets was applied in layers, leaving the natural tone of the wood slightly visible under the dark wash, creating a beautiful sense of depth.
This custom dish rack sits directly across from Meyer's dishwasher, which makes cleaning easier. Most of these dishes on display are from San Miguel de Allende — some new, others antiques.
This custom dish rack sits directly across from Meyer's dishwasher, which makes cleaning easier. Most of these dishes on display are from San Miguel de Allende — some new, others antiques.
The small, cast-stone fireplace is the true focal point of the kitchen, but was somewhat of a challenge to install since the kitchen is only 13' x 17'. Despite the difficulties that came with installation, it was well worth it — the fireplace is Meyer and her husband's favorite part of the kitchen.
"We love to come in and sit down in the morning and read the newspaper next to the fireplace," she says. "We designed our home to focus on the outdoors, so when I'm sitting here or cooking, I can enjoy these views completely."
Fireplace: Napa Valley Cast Stone and Venezia Fireplace Surrounds
Wall color: Vanilla Ice Cream by Benjamin Moore
Barstools: Pier 1
"We love to come in and sit down in the morning and read the newspaper next to the fireplace," she says. "We designed our home to focus on the outdoors, so when I'm sitting here or cooking, I can enjoy these views completely."
Fireplace: Napa Valley Cast Stone and Venezia Fireplace Surrounds
Wall color: Vanilla Ice Cream by Benjamin Moore
Barstools: Pier 1
The golden backsplash is made with marble tile, which Meyer hand-finished with Briwax for a unique color and texture. "I really wanted a warm, honey color," she says. "So I played around with the wax technique, and it worked out great!"
Pre-stained hickory floors with a hand-scraped finish add to the warmth and patina of the space.
Backsplash: Crema Marfil marble
Flooring: Mullican
Pre-stained hickory floors with a hand-scraped finish add to the warmth and patina of the space.
Backsplash: Crema Marfil marble
Flooring: Mullican
The main sink is on the kitchen island, but Meyer also had a smaller sink installed on the coffee bar near the rear of the kitchen — an area they call the "coffee shrine." Meyer also installed a small refrigerator in this area to make the morning coffee process even smoother.
Although they might look like fluorescent lights in these photos, most of the light in this kitchen actually comes from three large skylights. The natural Northwest light is perfect for during the day, while recessed spot lights provide plenty of lighting at night.
Have a great kitchen of your own? We want to see it! Upload a photo below, and your space could be our next Houzz Kitchen of the Week.
More: 23 Inspiring Real-Life Kitchens
Although they might look like fluorescent lights in these photos, most of the light in this kitchen actually comes from three large skylights. The natural Northwest light is perfect for during the day, while recessed spot lights provide plenty of lighting at night.
Have a great kitchen of your own? We want to see it! Upload a photo below, and your space could be our next Houzz Kitchen of the Week.
More: 23 Inspiring Real-Life Kitchens
Cabinetry: Simon & Toney in Portland, Oregon.
Pulls and knobs: La Casa del Inquisador in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Range: Wolf
Countertop: Kashmere Gold granite