Out of Sight

THIS MODERN KITCHEN MAXIMIZES BOTH STORAGE SPACE AND AESTHETICS. this kitchen exudes the sophistication and class of midcentury design with all the amenities and technology of today. Colin Flavin and his team at Flavin Architects worked closely with the m

An organizer’s dream come true, MAXIMIZE YOUR SPACE

“The corner cabinet sort of shows just how carefully we worked with the millworker and contractor to maximize storage,” says Colin Flavin, founding principal at Flavin Architects. The above-counter hideaway space has a tambour door on one side and a lift-up door on the other to easily store countertop appliances.

“Whenever we can, we like to bring the windows right down to the countertop;” says Colin, “it gives that sort of really strong inside-out connection.”

The open kitchen concept isn’t for everyone, so in this home they installed a pocket door between the kitchen and dining room that can easily be opened or closed.

When working below the countertops, the firm tries to use drawers exclusively for storage. “We find that it’s much easier to access things reaching down into something as opposed to getting down on your knees,” he says. In the unique corner drawer, they even added partitions so everything can have its place.

AESTHETIC UPGRADES

Beyond its status as an organizational masterpiece, the kitchen is visually stunning. With the exposed beams, cool gray tones and spectacular symmetry created by the white Heath Ceramics backsplash above the stove, it’s the kind of place you want to stay for a while.

The windows above the sink were added during the renovation process and bring light and color into the space. “Whenever we can, we like to bring the windows right down to the countertop;” says Colin, “it gives that sort of really strong inside-out connection.”

The open kitchen concept isn’t for everyone, so in this home they installed a pocket door between the kitchen and dining room that could be easily opened or closed during dinner parties or when the homeowners entertained guests. “It prevents the tyranny of the messy kitchen,” says Colin.

THE HEATH CERAMICS BACKSPLASH BEHIND THE STOVE, KNOWN AS THE DIMENSIONAL OVAL, ADDS SYMMETRY AND BALANCES THE ROOM WITH A POP OF WHITE. (OPPOSITE) DRAWERS BELOW THE COUNTERTOPS AND LIFT-UP CABINETS ABOVE PROVIDE EASY, ORGANIZED ACCESS FOR KITCHEN APPLIANCES AND UTENSILS.

THIS KITCHEN WAS TRANSFORMED BY PAINTING THE EXPOSED BEAMS GRAY AND ADDING CERUSED WOOD FLOORS.

(TOP, LEFT) RENOVATIONS INCLUDED ADDING A WINDOW-LIKE OPENING INTO THE LIVING ROOM, WITH A BAR ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE AND A FIVE-FOOT POCKET DOOR BETWEEN THE KITCHEN AND THE DINING ROOM.