The second time is the charm when it comes to this Lake Erie home’s kitchen. Kimberly Martin designed its first kitchen when the lakeside residence was originally constructed in 1995. “I was fortunate enough to be part of the project when the home was built,” says the designer/founder of Custom Kitchens by Martin & Company, Rochester, NY. “Its current kitchen is Round #2. I’ve been in the business long enough now that I’m doing kitchens twice… that’s really a treat!”
One-of-a-kind Look
Updates to this kitchen originated with the homeowners’ desire to build an adjacent addition to accommodate a family room, a dining space and a butler’s pantry. While some designers might be tempted to completely open up the space between the two, Martin took the opportunity to give the space a one-of-a-kind look by keeping the exterior wall and turning it into an interior one. “And I left the window above the sink,” she says. “Now she can look through the kitchen window into the family room.”
Glass plays an integral role throughout the design, she continues, noting that it extends to the 10’ high ceilings along the sink wall while glass cabinets flank each side of the window. Martin also carried glass – with a unique twist – into the newly built 6’x6.5’ butler’s pantry where she added a large, circular window to the exterior wall, then accented it with glass cabinets in front of it to provide a glimpse to the outside. “It’s very nautical,” she says, giving a nod to the homeowners’ interest in sailing and the home’s lakeside location.
Maintain Consistency
Other themes carried throughout the space include stainless steel and various shades of white that contrast with dark merlot Tedd Wood cabinetry.
Stainless steel makes its way into the kitchen via appliances, including a Wolf range, custom Vent-A-Hood ventilation hood, undermount sink, Miele steam oven, Asko dishwasher, Sub-Zero refrigerator – with glass front – and stainless steel-faced cabinetry with smoke glass accents that mimic the refrigerator. The designer also include Sub-Zero refrigerator drawers. A stainless steel pot rack, adorned with quirky typewriter-style numbers, hangs over the island.
White Tedd Wood cabinetry is complemented with Donna Sandra granite that tops the island and white quartz which tops the perimeter. “The granite looks like marble,” Martin notes. “Blends of white and gray give it the ageless appeal of old Carrara marble, yet it is granite that offers more durability. We chose a honed finish to give it the timeless character of beautiful stone that’s weathered and worn. A double build-up on the edge gives it an eclectic blend of old and new, traditional and modern. It’s a fun blend between the white and dark cabinetry.”
White cabinetry is carried into the family room, which although physically is not part of the kitchen, is visible from the kitchen and is part of today’s lifestyle, Martin explains. “The cabinets surrounding the fireplace are very symmetrical,” she says, adding that she custom designed them to hide the TV. “A lot of engineering and math went into those cabinets! When you open the doors to reveal the TV, they are sized perfectly to conceal the display cases. It’s a unique feature that is a continuation of the kitchen.”
Merlot cabinetry offers a deep contrast to the brighter stainless steel and white. “It’s a cherry color, rather than espresso,” she stresses. “It’s deep and dark, rich and stunning. It reminds me of old boats that are rich with deep, aged wood.”
A peninsula that separates the kitchen from the ‘morning room’ also features merlot cabinetry, specifically in a tower where the artist homeowner can display some of her three-dimensional work. A bar – located on the family room side of the window – also features merlot cabinetry and is topped with slate.
These three colors – stainless steel, white and merlot – are carried consistently throughout the home, including into the coffee bar, which was an important feature for the husband. “It’s a fun little nook that is a surprise as you come around the corner,” she notes. Its furniture-style appeal is evident in the stainless steel feet and radius cabinetry, again in merlot hues. Brushed stainless steel and a decorative shelf accent the wall and was included at the homeowner’s request. “She’s an artist,” Martin notes, adding that her background provides an eclectic vibe throughout the home. “That was her flair and a feature she loved.
“Rochester by nature is a very traditional market,” the designer continues. “She brings something fresh to her home – which has traditional bones with a Nantucket flair – yet is still modern.”
Stand the test of time
“The beauty of this kitchen is that it is so incredibly unique, yet timeless and stunning,” Martin says. “There are so many elements that will stand the test of time.”
And while the footprint of the kitchen remained the same, there’s little about the space that resembles its former self. “It looks significantly different within the same space,” she says. “It’s an easy room to be in, too. It isn’t a huge kitchen, but it’s scaled just right. It’s incredibly practical and everything is within steps to her reach. The footprint flows well and the kitchen isn’t overdone. It’s planned just right… from storage to functionality, and it’s impressive without being ostentatious.”
Pull quotes for main photo: kitchens-by-martin-dsc-7839_11669484.psd
Interior Window
Adds a unique twist to the kitchen while providing a view to the family room
Honed Granite Island Countertop
Offers the timeless character of beautiful stone that’s weathered and worn
Merlot Cabinetry
Contrasts with stainless and white elements while adding richness and depth
Stainless Steel Pot Rack
Ties in with other stainless steel elements within the space and is accented by typewriter-style numbers
Caption for butler’s pantry photo: kitchens-by-martin-dsc-7744_11669477.psd
Smart Storage
One goal with the new addition was to include space for a butler’s pantry. Kimberly Martin carried the glass theme into this area by adding a large circular window to the exterior wall, then accented it with glass cabinets in front of it to provide a glimpse to the outside. “It’s very nautical,” she says, giving a nod to the homeowners’ interest in sailing and the home’s lakeside location.
Caption for coffee bar photo: kitchens-by-martin-dsc-7755_11669479.psd OR kitchens-by-martin-dsc-7756_11669480.psd
Surprise Nook
Stainless steel, white and merlot are carried consistently throughout the home, including into the coffee bar. “It’s a fun little nook that is a surprise as you come around the corner,” says Martin. Its furniture-style appeal is evident in the stainless steel feet and radius cabinetry in merlot hues. Brushed stainless steel and a decorative shelf accent the wall and was included at the homeowner’s request.
Caption for fireplace surround photo: kitchens-by-martin-dsc-7823_11669481.psd
Continue the Look
White cabinetry is carried into the family room, which although physically is not part of the kitchen, is visible from the kitchen and is part of today’s lifestyle, Martin explains. “The cabinets surrounding the fireplace are very symmetrical,” she says, adding that she custom designed them to hide the TV. “A lot of engineering and math went into those cabinets! When you open the doors to reveal the TV [above the fireplace], they are sized perfectly to conceal the display cases.”
If there is enough room for another photo…
Caption for photo of view out to the lake: kitchens-by-martin-dsc-7855_11669488.psd
Impressive and Practical
While the footprint of the kitchen remained the same, there’s little about the space that resembles its former self. “It looks significantly different within the same space,” says Martin. “It’s an easy room to be in, too. It isn’t a huge kitchen, but it’s scaled just right. It’s incredibly practical and everything is within steps to her reach. The footprint flows well and the kitchen isn’t overdone. It’s planned just right… from storage to functionality, and it’s impressive without being ostentatious.”
Quote:
“The beauty of this kitchen is that it is so incredibly unique, yet timeless and stunning. There are so many elements that will stand the test of time.” Kimberly Martin