KITCHENS & BATHS
An otherwise all-white room gets boundless energy grounded by color.
In a new house built to blend with a historic community, the classic white kitchen carries a punch.
Completed in 2008, the house was designed to fit into a historic beach community on the South Shore of Long Island. Working in a vocabulary of Colonial Revival details and traditional coastal materials, architect Sam White and designers at PBDW Architects were able to reduce the apparent scale of the new 11,500-square-foot house, keeping its architectural image in character with smaller houses in the neighborhood.
The one-third-acre site presented every advantage except size: It’s a waterfront property with a south-facing exposure on a tidal bay. Situated on a quiet street where children learn to ride bikes, the corner lot is separated from the nearest neighbor by a grassy, Village-owned open space, all within walking distance of a schul for Sabbath observance.
Into this minuscule parcel, PBDW installed a full program that includes eight bedrooms and a large kosher kitchen. The property features a parterre lawn and outdoor kitchen. The project was the result of an exceptionally close collaboration between PBDW, landscape designer Deborah Nevins, and the late decorator Burt Wayne.
1. PAINTED WOOD FLOOR
“My client Rebecca Lindenbaum reminded me that she came up with the design for this spectacular floor,” says architect Sam White. “The floor scheme is based on the colors of the seats of a soccer stadium in Barcelona, which she’d seen at a show on Spanish architecture at the Museum of Modern Art. The paint was applied to the wood floor in multiple layers by rubbing with cloth.” Varnish applied in several layers protects it.
2. GLASS CABINETS
Having few upper cabinets keeps the room open and light-filled. Reaching to the ceiling and capped by crown moulding, the wall-hung cabinets look like pantry built-ins; side panels as well as doors are glazed.
3. WHITE MARBLE & PAINT
The decorator selected the white marble for counters, the pendant globe light fixtures, and the unfussy appliances. A simple, turn-of-the-century look keeps the focus on the sweeping views.