USA Kitchen Trends US Kitchen Trends Vol. 30/09 | Page 97

Chef’s eyrie Light and open, this kitchen connects with its natural setting in several ways One of the most important features of a new kitchen is its placement in the home – both in terms of its relationship to the living areas and the exterior outlooks. Set on an outer corner of a home that hugs a steep hillside, this kitchen is in an ideal position to enjoy views across the valley and bay. The house, by Eric Haesloop and Mary Griffin with interiors by Margaret Turnbull, optimizes connections to the setting at every angle. This includes picture windows and sliding doors that open to a spacious wooden deck. There are attractive vistas to the rear of the kitchen, too, says Haesloop. “A diagonal sightline from the breakfast table through the kitchen takes in the pool, and clerestory windows allow glimpses of the hill behind. This is an immersive kitchen space – standing at the island, you feel you’re part of the wider environment.” Appropriate to its natural setting, the house has an eco-friendly makeup, with recycled elm featuring on the floor and walls. This species is continued as a veneer on the kitchen cabinets, making for a seamless flow. The countertops and backsplash are in a similar-toned granite. Specifying the two countertops in a slim profile adds to the light, airy ambiance, says Haesloop. “The owners wanted the kitchen to connect to the adjacent open-plan living and dining spaces, but not be on show. To achieve this, we introduced a dividing wall of freestanding cabinets across the center of the room. This acts as a screen between the kitchen and dining table without blocking the sightlines that run along the front and rear of the interior on this level.” Margaret Turnbull chose the round Noguchi table to fit in the available corner space. “This chic, slender table also has a light feel,” she says. “And the Bocci chandelier above it provides an eye-catching sparkle without detracting from the panoramic outlooks.” Left: This kitchen was designed by Turnbull Griffin Haesloop. A wealth of under-counter storage on the island allowed the pair to limit the number of overhead cabinets. This optimizes visual corridors and light penetration across the space. Above: A round Noguchi table provides the perfect place to enjoy breakfast and take in 270° degree views out over the valley and bay. search | save | share at my.trendsideas.com 95