Casual Transitional Kitchen by Elina Katsioula-Beall

2010 NKBA Design Competition - Large Kitchen: Second Place

The homeowners spend a great deal of time in Japan, and wanted the traditional aspects of Japanese architecture infused into a functional 21st century North American home. The opposing qualities of hard versus soft, reflective versus matte, and old versus new were used. A rare, century-old umagaki ceremonial drape selected as the focal point directed the selection of the Blue Bahia countertop and blue glass tile backsplash. Imported Japanese hardware, textured wallpaper, a wood-lined backsplash, shoji-soft lighting, distressed acacia wood flooring, and new beams appearing to bear signs of centuries of charcoal fire cooking all contribute to the design. The appliances are concealed behind custom panels to create the illusion of a kitchen suited to the home of an ancient samurai.