Bright, tidy, and well-stocked: that was the clients’ vision for the 1,100-square-foot renovation of their Aspen vacation home. “No problem,” said architect Scott Lindenau. Well, the existing concrete block construction, low ceilings, and lack of windows were a bit of a challenge, but you can’t tell by looking at this sleek kitchen-in-a-mahogany-box solution. Lindenau used his entire bag of “storage tricks” to prevent clutter. He chuckles, explaining that the tricks include “pieces that pop up, swivel out, or tuck in.” A set of recessed wine cubbies takes advantage of otherwise unused space underneath the raised cabinet screening the sink from the living area. A pop-up downdraft vent for the cooktop means more overhead room, and swing-out corner cabinets make finding the box of macaroni and cheese much easier.
Upper cabinets are suspended from the ceiling by stainless steel rods that continue down to support an exposed shelf—an idea Lindenau liked enough to repeat in both bedrooms. Base cabinets are raised slightly off the floor, and an inset reveal highlights the countertop. None of these details screams for individual attention, but together they produce a subtle airiness that elevates the entire kitchen.
Interior walls would have inhibited what little natural light was available, so Lindenau used dropped ceilings to define the kitchen and the built-in dinette opposite it. The dark wood panels also hide plumbing and wiring. A glass tile backsplash raises the fun quotient with random splashes of color.
Builder: Tom Van Allen, Aspen, Colo.; Architect: Scott Lindenau, Studio B Architects, Aspen; Project manager: Elish Warlop, Studio B Architects, Aspen; Photographer: Wayne Thom
Resources: Cooktop: Gaggenau; Refrigerator: Sub-Zero; Tile: Ann Sacks.
