Project Case Study: Spotlight on creative, problem-solving kitchens and baths

Kitchen Combines Old World and Modem Themes

By Elizabeth Friszell

WINTER PARK, FL - When Marc Thee and Michael Abbott of Marc-Michaels Interior Design began designing the kitchen for a new home in Winter Park, FL, they had two very tough customers: themselves.

While they wanted to create a dream kitchen that would meet all their personal needs, they also wanted the room to function as a showhouse kitchen that would allow them to display their design talents to potential customers.

In addition, the two had markedly different tastes, stylistically speaking, which presented its own set of challenges. Thee, a modernist, and Abbott, a traditionalist, wanted to utilize and incorporate their individual styles to create a kitchen that would reflect both of their personal tastes, while combining a look of luxury with an atmosphere of warmth.

To blend with the Venetian/ Gothic style of the home, they wanted a kitchen that would utilize an Old World theme, but one that would also feature clean, contemporary elements, European styling and
modern cabinetry.

Being the co-CEOs of a thriving business, Thee and Abott frequently host cocktail parties and entertain guests, to be designed to accommodate their busy entertaining schedules.

Unfortunately, the narrow property did not easily lend itself to this, since the kitchen layout, reflecting the shape of the property, was very long and linear.

The designers needed a solution that would turn the narrow room into an advantage. Looking at all the possibilities, they quickly realized that the one of the kitchen’s greatest assets was the view.

"Because of the Iinear lines and rectangular shape of the kitchen, there was an opportunity to [really showcase the] view the central courtyard," Thee says.

Maximizing the room’s rectangular shape, Thee and Abbott worked with the Marc-Michaels design team and kitchen designer Jackie Bentley Brown, owner of Olde World Cabinetry CO., to highlight the exterior views, which include a koi pond, tropical landscaping, and a pool in the courtyard. They also added doors to provide access to the outdoors. This had the effect of bringing the beauty of the outdoors inside, maximizing the natural light and visuaIIy widening the kitchen by calling attention to the beautiful view.

EUROPEAN ACCENTS
To provide the modern look that Thee desired, the designers selected Sokee Japanese cabinetry which features glass with performated stainless steel inserts with Asian rice paper backing. Stainless steal appliances and countertops continue the modem theme. These provide a striking contrast with the rusticated wood used in the ceiling detailing. Likewise, the design team used old Venetian rusticated backdrops to add a sens of traditional styling.

Thee notes, "The ceiling accentuates the Old World European style and contrasts well with ther modern cabinetry. The artist detailing on the beams finishes the European touch."

Low-voltage tech lighting was installed under the cabinets to light work surfaces. Arch-shaped transom windows above the cabinets reinforce the Venetian style of the house, while also bringing in plenty of natural light at the counter level.

To maintain the European stle, Thee and Abbott mounted glass mosaic tile around the Viking range hood, adding refletivity to the space. They installed New Venetian Gold granite countertops from The Tile Market behinf the hood to add a European touch.

A soft color scheme helps to achieve "a soothing and soft background against the overwhelming degree of architectural detail,” according to Thee, who adds, “It emphasizes the warm and timeless mood of the kitchen with the use of rich cherry woods."

The island, topped with New Venetian Gold granite, was built at counter height to provide a sitting bar, the design team notes. Swaim bar stools enhance the sense of cozy warmth, while beams from Millwork International in pecky cypress above the island add Mizner-style artistic appeal.

ENTERTAINMENT VALUE
The tall pantry tower is the min focal point of the kitchen, according to the design team. With a built-in hooked ladder to access overflow storage at the top, the pantry tower offers extensive storage and provides the entrance to the butler’s pantry, as well. the butler’s pantry contains an oversixed Kihler sink designed for easy washing of large pots and pans. Thee says, "One of the most exciting space-planning ideas was the

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

In designing a new construction kitchen for their own use, Marc Thee and Michael Abbott, of Marc-Michaels Interior Design, needed a design that would both meet their personal needs and serve to showcase their design talents to professional colleagues and potential clients.

The two designers, one, a modernist, the other, a traditionalist, wanted to incorporate both their individual style preferences, with the goal of creating a luxurious looking room that would also provide an atmosphere of warmth. To do this, they combined an Old World theme with clean, contemporary elements and European-style modern cabinetry.

One major design challenge was the narrow size of the property, which was reflected in the narrow dimensions of the kitchen. The design team addressed this challenge by arranging the kitchen to highlight the exterior views and maximize the influx of natural light, visually widening the space.

To provide a modern look, the design team installed Sokee glass cabinetry with perforated, stainless steel inserts. Glass mosaic tile mounted around the hood adds to the room's contemporary appeal, while stainless steel countertops further the modern feel.

The tall pantry tower provides a main focal point for the kitchen. With a built-in hooked ladder to access overflow storage at the top, the pantry tower offers extensive storage.

Dual appliances, including Viking double ovens and two dishwashers, facilitate entertaining and help streamline clean up.

Attached to the kitchen, the morning room blends the architectural elements, keeping true to the Venetian/Gothic theme of the house.

Kitchen products include: Sokee Japanese style cabinetry; Viking stainless steel appliances; New Venetian Gold granite from The Tile Market; Kohler sink and faucets; Vietri table; Minton Spidell dining chairs; Formations chandelier; and ceiling beams from Millwork International.
Introduction of the gourmet pantry tower. In the original planning stages, the butler’s pantry was to be a separate room. But opening up this space, with the pantry dividing the kitchen, was visully more functional. It’s very user-friendly, which makes the caterer’s end of the kitchen a part of the main kitchen.”

Attached to the kitchen, the morning room blends the architectural elements, keeping true to the Venetian?Gothic overall theme of the house.

Thee says, "The kitchen was designed to have a warm, pleasing mood, but it also takes on an industrial attitude with the use of stainless steel. The setting showcases a gourmet cook's kitchen with all the commercial restaurant tools, yet combines that with enough userfriendliness to hang out in."