“The color of this kitchen is one of my favorites we've ever worked with. The way the green pops against this deep, muted hue is really stunning,” says Thea about the color of the kitchen cabinets in our most recent project, Summit Estates. The team started out using Benjamin Moore's Deep River for the cabinets, color-matching them with the striking Lacanche series to create a cohesive, dramatic, impactful look.
“We had a hard time coming up with a layout for the kitchen because the stove isn't really in the center,” explains Thea. To create a balanced look, the cabinets on one side incorporated doors to mirror the visual weight of the other. Thea adds that they didn't extend the cabinets all the way to the top to avoid making the room look top-heavy, especially since the ceilings are so high. This decision also allowed more of the beautiful stone walls to be seen, introducing a British design trend.
Natural materials play a key role in this rustic kitchen. Thea and her design team incorporated a dark-colored decorative band into the plaster range hood that matches the ceiling beams and trim throughout the home. “This band detail is also carried over into the thick open shelves with brass railings that match the basement bar,” says Thea. The clients loved the idea of incorporating stone into every wall, a feature carried over from the fireplace and exterior. This not only adds texture and interest, but also gives the kitchen a true rustic feel.
Highlighting some of the kitchen's special details, Shea says, “This unlacquered brass faucet in a traditional shape contrasts beautifully with the home's modern architecture,” creating the contrasts Studio McGee is known for. The soapstone countertops with carved drain plates were also chosen for their practicality and aesthetic appeal. If artwork isn't the answer, Shea suggests incorporating sconces to fill asymmetrical gaps and add indirect lighting. “We customized the sconces with fabric shades that matched the cabinetry, enhancing the monochromatic look,” Shea says.
Adjacent to the kitchen, a dining area with a long table was designed. Because Studio McGee clients can customize all McGee & Co. products, the Orville Extension Dining Table was custom made to fit the exact length. “We combined the chairs with two long benches to break up the height and avoid the appearance of too many chairs,” says Shea. For lighting, the fixtures above the island and dining table were selected to blend in without competing with each other. Three large pendants were chosen for the island and linear fixtures for the dining table. This made the space feel balanced and clean without blocking the view. Finally, we used dark cabinetry and styled it with beautiful kitchen and dining accessories, as well as some vintage art pieces.
Browse the entire kitchen space below, including Shea's tour of the project's webisode, and get some tips for recreating the look of The Summit Estate Kitchen in your own home.
