in the MIX
A remodel gives this Capitol Hill couple a spacious, simple kitchen that works
Streamlined Simplicity, ease of function and ineffable fusion of contemporary design and traditional architecture make Geoff and Erin Harris' new kitchen a definite standout.
The redo was the first big remodeling project for the Harrises, who both work at Microsoft. Although the kitchen of their stately 1989 Capitol Hill house has been remodeled in the 1980s, the appliances were outdated and the use of space was less than perfect. “There was a huge L-Shaped island,” Erin says, “but no flow, and no place for people to hang out.” The young couple wanted to be able to cook with family and friends, as well as host large gatherings.
But first the Harrises had to find a way to combine Erin's traditional affinities with Geoff's very modern tastes. To bridge their differences, they chose MusaDesign, a Seattle interior design studio. Principals Julia Sandetskaya and Polina Zaika- with assistance from other members of the firm- designed an up-to-the minute kitchen that blends beautifully with the home's interior envelope. “Italian design forms the core of the aesthetics,” says Sandetskaya.
Although no major alterations to the floor plan were required, the designers maximized functionality by removing a doorway, incorporating an adjacent laundry area, and adding a pantry and an angled wall that now houses a Jenn-Air refrigerator, a broom closet and open storage niches. They worked closely with contractor Victor Lozinski, HenryBuilt cabinet makers and metal artist Michael Northrop on many custom elements.
The dramatic centerpiece is unquestionably the redesigned island, crowned by a massive custom light fixture. Asymmetrically angled, with a white-oak-and-wenge base and a stainless steel counter, it glistens in the ample daylight that floods in from the kitchen's tall windows. At night, its reflections turn golden from the halogen pendants above.
Topped by a huge professional hood that is as sculptural as it is functional, the six-burner Viking range with two ovens is the Harrises' favorite appliance. “I love the small oven,” Erin says. “I use it more than the big one on a daily basis.” To the left of the Viking, a sliding work-station with a soapstone top extends from the island to facilitate pizza making or large cooking projects.
1) A wide, deep blanko sink keeps the counter free of dirty dishes, and the eurostyle faucet, sprayer and butler, by Grohe, provide a lot of function without taking up a lot of space.
2) Metal inset tiles (Ann Sacks, 206-441-8917) add a stylish accent to the stainless steel counter top (Fabricated by Michael Northrop).
3) The spacious island gives ardent cook Erin Harris plenty of room to spread out her cookbooks and search for inspiration.
4) A knife and spice drawer keep critical cooking tools and condiments close at hand, while pots and pans stay hidden from view in a deep lower drawer.
5) An easily accessible pantry holds recycling bins as well as food supplies. The Viking Range has two ovens, a large one for big meals and a smaller one that is more energy-efficient for daily use.
6) The Dining Alcove's painted wood bench and white oak table share blackened steel bases and clean contemporary lines. They were the product of a collaboration between MusaDesign, Michael Northrop, HenryBuilt, and 4 Elements Construction.
An ample five feet of workspace separates the island from the sink and the Miele dishwasher, allowing several people to maneuver comfortably. The sink surround is Carrera marble, and the backsplash is stainless steel tile with an overlay of marble. Custom wenge cabinets have doors that swing upward for easy access, and lower cabinets have frosted glass panels and interior lighting. To forge a connection with the architecture, surrounding cabinets are built into the walls, following a traditional Italian design. Painted with seven coats of eggshell, the cabinets are a gray-white color that links the cool tones of the marble with the warm white walls.
Adjacent to the kitchen, a large dining alcove surrounded by windows makes a striking modernist statement. The angular, but comfortable, wooden bench hugs the walls, and a white oak table, with rounded corners to facilitate safe access to the seating, ties in with white oak floors brought in from Oregon to match existing ones in the house.
Along with an absence of counter clutter, another notable omission from the kitchen is the usual profusion of specialized appliances. “We didn't really want a lot of newfangled toys,” Geoff says.
“We are about sustainability,” Sandetskaya says. “Get the best that you can get, but only what you need.” Echoing these sentiments, Erin adds that the most useful item in the kitchen is the Butler hot-and-cold filtered water dispenser.
After four months of exacting planning, the construction was impeccably carried out in three months by 4 Elements Construction. Large parties have become a breeze in the new kitchen.
“We're looking forward to having Thanksgiving here with our family,” Erin says.
7) A generous space between the sink and the island accommodates multiple cooks; the eating alcove seats a dozen diners or works just as well for catching up on e-mail.
8) Open storage nooks at one end of the island echo the wall niches and add interest to the purposefully unornamented kitchen.
9) Few things are as satisfying as a kitchen that works: Erin Harris shares a celebratory cup of coffee with Polina Zaika of MusaDesign.