Remodel Kitchen Saves Time with Trendy Style

NEW YORK, NY— Many kitchen and bath designers can relate to the time-crunch that a busy work life can create. So, when a client came to designer Kobi Aharon and co-designer Laura Husni in need of a more efficient kitchen in the galley space, the dynamic duo came to the rescue.

The pair – both of New York, NY-based Urban Homes, Inc. – developed a clear objective: create a functional kitchen that would offer easy upkeep and a trendy appearance, while suiting the client’s profession and lifestyle.

“The kitchen was designed using a modern theme,” Husni explains. “Being a busy investment banker, the client was looking for an updated kitchen that followed the latest trends. Since the rest of the condo presented a modern and sophisticated appearance, the kitchen had to be remodeled to blend in with its surroundings.”

She continues: “The major challenge was to design a space that incorporated all of the client’s high expectations while eliminating all of the wasted space and dysfunctional organization. And, that had to be done while remaining within the presented budget.”

Overhauling a Dated Space

According to Husni, a complete overhaul of the pre-existing kitchen was imperative to the success of the design.

“The original space was enclosed with walls, creating a feeling of seclusion in the plain white and dimly lit area,” she explains.

“In addition, freestanding and outdated appliances needed to be replaced.”

Storage space, functionality and organization all desperately needed to be addressed, as well. The amount of storage incorporated into the space was determined by the kitchen’s size.

Removal of one of the walls was the first step in the renovation. Eliminating the wall created space for a peninsula island, which served as a room divider and eating area while it offered extra storage and counter space.

Built-in appliances were incorporated into the cabinetry, and upper cabinets were extended closer to the ceiling than in the previous design.

“The primary functional improvements made to the space were the inclusion of the built-in appliances, extra storage and counter space provided by the peninsula and more efficient cabinets and pantry units. We also created a more organized layout,” Husni offers. “We made sure that updated accessories and cabinets filled every corner in order to eliminate any dead space.”

Squares and Triangles

Just as Times Square is the heart of Manhattan, the small but effective work triangle serves as the heart of this kitchen. The triangle was formed by placing the Jenn-Air range several feet away from the Kindred sink, which is directly across from the Sub-Zero refrigerator. A faucet from KWC America complements the sink, while a Miele dishwasher serves as a divider between the sink and range.

In keeping with the trendy, sleek look the client desired, Aharon and Husni selected Aster Cucine “Trendy” cabinets for the base and upper units.

“Wood base cabinets with horizontal grain were placed on either sides of the stainless steel appliances to create an elongated effect in the kitchen. The same wood cabinets were used in the peninsula directly across from the long wall,” Husni explains.

“The finishes and cabinetry chosen were selected to both blend with the surroundings and stand out as major design elements,” she remarks.

“The sophisticated appearance of the walnut slab door featured on the lower cabinets slightly mimicked the Brazilian teak flooring,” she adds.

“The base units were accented with slender stainless steel hardware and filled with functional accessories for organization,” Husni reports.

The upper cabinets also presented a lighter and sleeker vision for the layout, while aluminum edge-banded laminate and back-painted glass formed the double-stacked upper units.

A tall pantry unit with frosted glass doors provides added storage, and puts a halt on the extended central walkway of the kitchen, according to Husni.

Old ‘Blue Eyes’