Belle terre CERUSED WHITE OAK KITCHEN & Dining

2017
Brookhaven, New York

Situated in the quiet village of Belle Terre in the town of Brookhaven is a home for a family of four that wanted a balance of function and style in their home. Together with the designer, Deborah Martin, Wood & Co. crafted a kitchen and dining space that is warm, inviting, and elegant.

We first start by determining the client’s functional kitchen requirements. A generous amount of cabinetry was laid out on multiple walls, maximizing both horizontal and vertical spaces. A mix of fitted drawers, pull-outs, and adjustable shelving provides them with enough flexibility to organize their kitchenware according to their changing needs. The appliances followed suit, also catering to the client’s lifestyle. These included a Miele built-in coffee machine, a WOLF double oven, and a built-in wine chiller, among others.

Given the large space, adding a center island was decided on from the initial design phase. It provides a focal point and fills up the area. It also serves various functions such as adding storage, creating a casual sitting area, and expanding the food preparation space. The triangular shape of the island followed the footprint of the kitchen. It initially seemed like an unconventional shape for an island, but it soon felt a perfect fit. It provides additional countertop space and allows for a smooth flow of traffic throughout. The seats can be positioned close enough for a conversation, but still far enough for good elbow room.

A combination of the classic Shaker style and natural hues give the kitchen a clean and understated elegance. Satin lacquer cabinets in beige complement the similarly colored floor tiles. The smooth transition from the veined marble countertops onto the full backsplash adds a subtle texture that delights the eyes. Breaking the monotony along the walls is the stove area featuring an accented range hood with dark brown strips set on a bed of copper tone tiles. The details are continued on island cabinets that feature the same cerused white oak finish, making it standout against the backdrop of beige. The same theme is continued to the bar stools, dark wood finish with coffee tinted leather and finished with gold nailhead trim. All these elements together create a warm and welcoming atmosphere with a touch of refinement.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to balance function and style. There’s a natural tendency to focus more on one or the other, but with the proper attention to details, there’s no reason why you can’t have both.