USA Kitchen Trends US Kitchen Trends Vol. 30/09 | Page 35

stained alder wood, while the perimeter cabinets are lacquered white. All the doors have recessed panels, with a semi-circular detail on the white cabinets.” Brettler says a lowered table top helps to break up the perceived mass of the island, so it doesn’t feel like such a giant piece of furniture sitting in the middle of the room. “Similarly, I chose stools that are not too busy visually, or too large, so we can fit several people around table top.” To lighten the center of the kitchen, and the main work area, the island top is Carrara marble – in contrast to the black marble on the perimeter counters. A formed lip around the edge of the island top prevents water running off. Reflective tin inserts are another key feature of the cabinets. “Because I wanted full-height cabinets, but at the same time did not want these to overwhelm the space, I added these decorative reflective inserts to the doors along the top,” says Brettler. “The pressed tin catches the light and provides plenty of sparkle.” Preceding pages: Vintage light fixtures set the tone for this remodeled kitchen in a 1920s house. Architect-owner Linda Brettler had several walls removed to create one large kitchen-family living area that flows seamlessly to a breakfast room. Facing page: The long island runs parallel to the cabinetry, with the main clean-up area positioned along the outside wall. There is a separate prep sink on the island, which has a Carrara marble countertop with a formed lip around the edge. Above: At one end of the island, a lowered table top helps to reduce its apparent bulk. search | save | share at trendsideas.com 33