Since 1997, Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen and Bath has been the leading kitchen and bath remodeler in the DMV area. This kitchen was designed by Scott Stultz, one of JGKB’s top designers.
Our designer, Scott Stultz, says, “Think of a dialogue among three different characters – Classical, Industrial Chic, and Modernist – set against a quiet backdrop. ” regarding the design of the kitchen.
The owners of this charming circa 1930s modified Cape Cod style stone house in Washington, DC, had a cramped 12′ x 12′ kitchen, remodeled several decades ago, opening onto the central hallway. The challenge was to integrate a chef’s kitchen, also designed for socializing, into the existing space. After some deliberation, the closet function was relocated, and we were able to reclaim that corner. But there still remained the problem of how to fit more storage, bigger appliances, and better workspaces into 144 square feet, without making it feel crowded.
Within these constraints, the solution that emerged keeps the room’s existing cabinetry footprint: the new Wolf 36″ gas range is placed such that the adjacent peninsula becomes a generously sized prep surface that also accommodates counter height seating on the hallway side. The sink countertop, done in Pure White quartz, extends down to the floor on both ends, creating a similar sleeve housing the base cabinets and integrated Miele dishwasher. The sink wall cabinetry, range and the peninsula are done in white, with simple, quietly elegant framed flat panel door and drawer fronts. The drawers boast carefully placed, minimalist modern brushed nickel knobs and pull from Colonial Bronze. Elongated white glass tile from Architectural Ceramics, set in a running bond pattern, lines both walls and extends to the ceiling behind the range. These two entirely white elevations bring a luminosity to the previously dingy kitchen. The crown molding is eliminated from the ceiling line, further opening the space visually.
Directly across the room, in stunning contrast, the remaining wall is dominated by a rich mahogany armoire with birds-eye maple raised panels. The armoire is done in a Georgian Revival style, inspired by the work of Stanford White in the late 19th century, and is accented by oversized wire wrapped brass pulls of modern design. The armoire conceals a Sub-Zero integrated refrigerator and freezer column and includes a food pantry cabinet with a microwave on one shelf. The effect is like a feature piece in a museum gallery, appropriate to the homeowners’ discriminating tastes in art and antiques.
See more of this extraordinary DC kitchen here.
