Baltimore
One of the drawbacks of renovation work is that architects and designers are intrinsically limited by the bones of the existing structure. But when such constraints end up shaping the likes of this Baltimore kitchen, those limitations aren’t necessarily such a bad thing.
Located in an old commercial building, this kitchen is centrally situated on the first floor adjacent to a double-height dining room. The client wanted to exploit the natural features of the space, so architects Rebecca Swanston and Lori Lessem opened up the walls to expose the existing steel beams and used them as an architectural element to delineate the two realms.
Entrant/Architect: Swanston + Associates, Baltimore; Builder: Emerald Contracting, Baltimore; Photographer: Michael Dersin.
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St. Paul, Minn.
This deft transformation of a once-cramped family room and kitchen is plenty sophisticated with its crisp millwork, coffered ceiling, soapstone-topped island, slate backsplash, and savvy reuse of solid surface counters for the perimeter countertops. You almost wouldn’t notice the little details built in to accommodate the owners’ two small children. A 30-foot window seat stretching from dining nook to family room doubles as toy storage. The fridge is outfitted with a magnetic chalkboard surface. And cabinetry on the tall end of the cherry island puts everyday dishes within reach of small hands, while a lowered (30-inch-high) counter on the opposite side is set low so kids can help cook.
All that and this workhorse of an island does still more; its tall side strategically hides the sink (and therefore the dirty dishes) from view, and its bar seating provides a nice vantage point for neighborhood-watching.
Entrant/Architect: Albertsson Hansen Architecture, Minneapolis; Builder: Choice Wood Co., St. Louis Park, Minn.; Interior designer: Thru the Roof, Minneapolis; Photographer: Andrea Rugg.
