Rough It Up
THE DESIGN OF THIS CAMBRIDGE KITCHEN DRAWS ON THE TYPES OF PROJECTS THE ARCHITECT’S PROFESSORS WERE PRACTICING IN THE ’70S.
‘I’m a fan of 1970s architecture with an experimental vibe,” Louise Goff, principal of Louise M. Smith Design, says. She’s inspired by the types of projects her architecture professors built during the summer terms — often weekend homes in Vermont. “You saw a lot of circle pulls,” she adds. Such cutouts informed those in the kitchen she designed in this Cambridge townhouse. The clients, a creative couple with two kids, favor a mix of midcentury and Scandinavian design that is a bit more rough than refined. “They like a modern, natural vibe; nothing bling-y,” she says. “Soapstone, tiles from Heath Ceramics, and a connection to the outdoors were easy decisions.”
1 Cabinetry by Walter Lane Cabinet Makers is painted Benjamin Moore’s Stonecutter, an off-black, for a tone-on-tone pairing with black soapstone countertops. “We settled on a dark palette early on, then built out from there,” Goff says.
2 While the backsplash with crisp, dark grout lines is quite graphic, the handmade tiles from Heath Ceramics have a natural feel with imperfect edges and clay peeking through the glaze. “When you’re in the space you sense the warmth of it,” the architect says.
3 The shelves are made from plywood with exposed edges. “The wood didn’t need to be reclaimed from an old barn,” she says. “This look is more utilitarian.” The white oak floorboards, however, have knotty character.
4 The appliances disappear, as does the painted wood hood. “It’s easier to get into a wood enclosure than a plaster one if you have to deal with mechanicals,” Goff shares.
5 Anew window pulls in light and greenery and helped create an asymmetric but balanced composition. It also offered an obvious end point for the backsplash. “Sometimes I tile to the ceiling, but this would’ve been too busy,” Goff explains.
6 A bench for lounging and reading was a must-have as the kitchen, which opens to the side garden, is a primary gathering spot. Cedar & Moss sconces and storage add function while throw pillows, including one from Abroad Modern in Cambridge, provide color, texture, and comfort.