Room to Love: A kitchen makes its mark with a tile twist
Get a peek inside a Portland, Maine, home with an uncluttered, modern look.
THE CABINETRY
Tyler Karu’s first task in creating the kitchen scheme in this modern Portland, Maine, home (designed by architect Kevin Browne and built by Benjamin + Co.) was to develop the most practical setup on the window wall. Tall cabinets at either end frame the space and provide plenty of storage. “There are a lot of elements coming together, so we kept the lines clean and the hardware simple,’’ Karu said.
THE FEATURE WALL
There are a number of ash accent walls in the house. This one provides a delineation between the kitchen and the living area. “I prefer that a kitchen not just float around in a big, open space,’’ Karu said.
THE BACKSPLASH AND THE SHELF
Textural handmade ceramic tiles by Pratt + Larson from Old Port Specialty Tile Co. offer a dimensional contrast to the flat white cabinetry, while the vertical installation reinforces the home’s contemporary style. The ash shelf is practical and keeps the expanse from feeling oppressive.
THE LIGHTING
Handblown-glass pendants by Hennepin Made inject another organic element without distracting from the overall design.
THE ISLAND AND THE STOOLS
The clients selected Benjamin Moore’s “Normandy Blue” paint for the island, which is topped with honed Himalayan white granite. “It’s not a color typically used in contemporary kitchens; I liked that it didn’t feel obvious,’’ Karu said. Leather stools from West Elm are comfortable and add warmth.
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At Home: Interior Designers Share Insider Tips
Subject: Kitchens in the COVID-19 era
When: Tuesday, Aug. 25, at 10 a.m.
Who: The live event featuring Marni Katz, Heather Alton, Tyler Karu, and Jodi Swartz will show us how to update the kitchen to be a seamless and chic space for newfound cooking skills, homework help, small gatherings, and more activities in “the new normal.” Submit a photo of your kitchen for a chance to have the designers give a live consultation!
RSVP here.
Marni Elyse Katz blogs about design at StyleCarrot.com. Send comments to [email protected]. Subscribe to our free real estate newsletter — our weekly digest on buying, selling, and design — at pages.email.bostonglobe.com/AddressSignUp.
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