There have been two kitchens in the life of this white-stucco Modernist home on the shore of Minnesota’s Lake Minnetonka, and their differences show how far kitchen design has evolved in only a generation. When architect Randall Buffie first visited the house, he says, “it was difficult to even see the lake from the kitchen, and it didn’t take advantage of the light.” In character with its time, this was a kitchen to pass through, not to dwell in. Times change, kitchens change. With this remodel, Buffie produced a kitchen that orchestrates light, views, forms, and materials to such entertaining effect that one wonders how the owners ever tear themselves away.
Solarium glazing gives the breakfast area broad views to the lake. Floor-to-ceiling glass on the opposite wall opens the room to an outdoor pool. Arcing between the two is a vaulted ceiling designed, Buffie says, “to modulate the light so it changes throughout the day.” Cabinets of lacewood and figured English sycamore break into deliberately distinct forms. “Everything is treated as an object,” Buffie says, even the appliances, which stand proud of the cabinet faces.
Unique features include back-lit, carved-glass panels in the cabinets, a glue-chip glass counter—acid-washed to hide scratches—and a 4-inch-thick bar of art glass that tops the opening to the breakfast area. “It acts as sort of a sundial,” Buffie explains. “At a certain time every day, the sun is going to pass through that.” We’re guessing your mother’s kitchen didn’t have one of those.
Project Credits: Builder: Streeter & Associates, Deephaven, Minn.; Architect: Randall M. Buffie Architect, Minneapolis; Project size: 468 square feet; Construction cost: $650 per square foot; Photographer: Karen Melvin.
Resources: Cooktop: Thermador, Circle 421; Dishwasher: Bosch, Circle 422; Fittings: KWC Faucets, Circle 423; Oven: Dacor, Circle 424; Range hood: Gaggenau, Circle 425; Refrigerator: Sub-Zero, Circle 426; Sinks: Elkay, Circle 427; Windows: Pella, Circle 428.
Project Credits: Builder: Nelson Lumber Construction, La Conner, Wash.; Architect: Weinstein Copeland Architects, Seattle; Project size: 480 square feet; Construction cost: Withheld; Photographer: Lara Swimmer.
Resources: Cooktop: Wolf Range, Circle 400; Cork flooring: Dodge-Regupol, Circle 401; Dishwasher: Bosch, Circle 402; Exhaust hood: Thermador, Circle 403; Fittings: Chicago Faucets, Circle 404; Garbage disposal and trash compactor: KitchenAid, Circle 405; Oven: Dacor, Circle 406; Refrigerator: Sub-Zero, Circle 407; Sinks: Kindred, Circle 408; Stains (windows): Sikkens, Circle 409; Windows: Dynamic Windows & Doors, Circle 410.
