A midcentury modern home in a secluded wooded area on Gibson Island in Maryland was originally designed in 1962 by architect Ulrich Franzen. The owners recently decided to update the interior of the home to open it to sunlight and forested views. Improvements included expanding the kitchen, adding a wet bar, and reconfiguring the master bath.
Gordon Beall
In the kitchen, designer Shawna Dillon maintained the classic white and walnut mid-century palette with sleek Italian cabinetry. The Snaidero white gloss cabinets with the white Caesarstone and glass backsplash work to lighten the space up which may otherwise be a bit dark due to the huge expanse of mahogany wood on the ceiling, she says. The reflective surfaces also help to expand the limits of the room, establishing a continuation of the outdoors.
PROJECT DETAILS
Location Gibson Island, Md.
Architect RILL Architects, Bethesda, Md.
Kitchen designer Shawna Dillon, Snaidero DC Metro, Alexandria, Va.
Walnut wood base cabinetry from Snaidero integrates into its surrounding delivering a tranquil treehouse vibe and a nod to the original mid-century casework, Dillon says. Moving the kitchen wall back to afford an island greatly improved function and mobility in the space, and allowed for limiting wall cabinet storage in favor of more mod open shelving.
A dry bar concealed as a walnut credenza off the dining room looks like a piece of furniture, and does not distract from the views. The bar houses the owners’ formal china and crystal as well as a 24-wine storage unit.
