Bethesda, MD

Clear from the start that she wanted a black-and-white kitchen with Unlacquered Brass hardware. I designed custom-made hot rolled steel wall bookcases to keep things looking French industrial and embrace the wonderful ceiling heights. This allowed the large windows to really shine. The use of different materials is what is special here. The exterior of the house is clad in Japanese Shou Sugi Ban wood, a process of preserving the wood through fire. This was brought onto the wall separating the kitchen from the dining room providing continuity. The metal windows were carried through to the metal cabinets. The island is a distressed wood veneer that has been wire brushed for texture. The wet bar and breakfast room have leather doors in black and white respectively. The 100% AU sheen on the perimeter cabinets reflects the natural light. The Corian countertops provide a warmth that quartz would not have allowed for as well as integral sinks. Although on paper there is a lot going on here, the finishes work in harmony.

Designed by #JGKB. Photography by Robert Radifera.