The original kitchen in this midcentury Austin, Texas, home had its charms, but its own closed-off design and old appliances indicated that it was time for an upgrade. Architect Cindy Black of Hello Kitchen worked with Tonianne Soster from TAS Construction to join with the 160-square-foot galley-style kitchen to the adjoining living area. “This helps bring about more light but also provides some relief to the long, narrow area,” says Black. Interior designer Barbara Granett picked a palette of white oak and pear-green cabinetry plus a pair of cheerful furniture to round this out kitchen’s new, warm appearance.
T.A.S Construction
A built-in china cupboard and cozy breakfast nook sit toward the rear of the kitchen, which overlooks the proprietor’s lovely rear terrace. Open shelving makes arranging and screen easy. “I understand the owner enjoys playing with the arrangement of collections on the other side of the X-mullion doors,” says Black.
Floors: Ann Sacks French Blue limestone; screen cabinet paint: White Dove, Benjamin Moore; seats: Donghia; cushion: Fabric.com
T.A.S Construction
Black maintained the end wall near the present corner window streamlined so the owner can make coffee and light snacks. The group upgraded the window using custom white walnut shelves to match the countertop. The original design squashed the sink within this corner also, but Black transferred it to the wall and put the dishwasher right alongside it.
Larger-than-usual subway backsplash tile 4 inches instead of 3 inches — plays the scale of the kitchen wall. “I enjoy that the tile covers the whole wall, like in an elderly Parisian bistro or bakery,” says Black.
Countertops: white walnut, DeVos Custom Woodworking; cabinetry: Richard Macdonald, FabShop; tile: Ann Sacks; cabinetry paint: Sweet Pear, Benjamin Moore
T.A.S Construction
A custom made cabinet surrounds the fridge to allow it to blend in, along with a 12-inch-deep floor-to-ceiling pantry keeps ingredients handy on the other side of the fridge.
A built-in surround for your vent hood also blends using the kitchen cabinetry. The design team allowed for just sufficient counter space on both sides of the oven for fundamental prep, with 30-inch-deep cabinets beneath for wheat sheets and other cooking requirements.
Hood: Bosch; fridge: Fischer Paykel; array: Bertazzoni
T.A.S Construction
The kitchen has a long and lanky layout, which presented a challenge for putting appliances. Black and Soster wished to grow the kitchen’s overall efficiency while incorporating more counter space; putting the fridge and stove on one side of the kitchen along with the sink and dishwasher on the other was the optimal solution.
The timeless cabinetry combines a flush inset style with contemporary slab doors. Legs added to the bottom of the units give them a furniture texture.
Hardware, lighting: Alexander Marchant; sink: apron front, Shaws; faucet: Hansgrohe
T.A.S Construction
Interior designer Barbara Granett framed a large map of Paris in raw steel with metal screws on the other side of the breakfast nook. This traditional element, along with the yellow toile upholstered bench, contrasts with the clean-lined and contemporary Saarinen dining table, Klismos-style seats and Jonathan Adler pendant.
Table: Saarinen; map: Oblation Papers
Photographer: Whit Preston
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Wonderful Wood Countertops for Kitchens and Bath
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