This is the first in a new series that I will be starting called "Design Ideas". What I would like to do is illustrate little design ideas that can help to make your home special. So here goes.
The photo below is a Kitchen in a home that I designed at Larson Brenner Architects. This unique house plan - The Lakeland Cape Cod - is currently available for purchase at Simply Elegant Home Designs.
It is a pretty simple kitchen layout but a few things make it special. - The kitchen cabinetry composition beyond is kept simple and clean. A soffit with crown molding connects the upper cabinets to the ceiling.
- A "mantle" was designed for the range, which serves as a counterpoint to the fireplace mantel on the other side of the room (not seen in photo).
- Under cabinet lighting provides highlights for the tile back splash and counters.
- An upper cabinet extends down to the counter and is fitted with glass to display the china.
- A solid walnut butcher block on the island top adds warmth and richness. This contrasts with the honed granite kitchen counters beyond.
- A special leg detail was designed for the island corners. The leg detail was also adapted for the stairway newel posts.
- Unique eclectic light fixtures hang above the island; highlighting the wood and help to emphasize that the island is the focal point of the room.
All in all a very simple yet elegant kitchen design. This illustrates that attention to the details can make all the difference.