Portfolio 26
Location: New York, NY
Overview
Sleek stainless steel meets blond and breezy in this warm, contemporary kitchen.
The Challenge
The kitchen space in this Tribeca loft was actually rather generous by New York standards, though it didn't look or feel that way when we first saw it. A pillared partial wall effectively cut off the kitchen from the rest of the open living space, serving as a funky room divider from which three pendant lights had been suspended. Framing the breakfast counter, the obstructive element not only interrupted the loft's flow—it was also hopelessly dated. Cold, sterile, and poorly lit, this ultra-white 80s enclave needed updating, softer lighting, warmth, and a more open, airy feel.
The New Look
Removing the partial wall opened up the space, unifying the kitchen with the rest of the loft. With natural light flooding in, we could afford to take a less-is-more approach to lighting: modern, efficient and unobtrusive. Under cabinet accents provided subtle task lighting, while Xenon up lighting was installed as the main source of illumination. Tossing the white laminate in favor of wood cabinetry in a light finish brought immediate warmth to this kitchen, evoking a clean, Northern European aesthetic. Stark white tiles were replaced with natural stone and decorative tile accents, bringing texture and interest to the overall look, while all-new stainless steel appliances completed the update. By freeing up space, designing with accessibility in mind, and improving the quality of light, we transformed the stymied room behind the breakfast bar barricade into a fully-functional kitchen—and a delightful focal point.
Overview
Sleek stainless steel meets blond and breezy in this warm, contemporary kitchen.
The Challenge
The kitchen space in this Tribeca loft was actually rather generous by New York standards, though it didn't look or feel that way when we first saw it. A pillared partial wall effectively cut off the kitchen from the rest of the open living space, serving as a funky room divider from which three pendant lights had been suspended. Framing the breakfast counter, the obstructive element not only interrupted the loft's flow—it was also hopelessly dated. Cold, sterile, and poorly lit, this ultra-white 80s enclave needed updating, softer lighting, warmth, and a more open, airy feel.
The New Look
Removing the partial wall opened up the space, unifying the kitchen with the rest of the loft. With natural light flooding in, we could afford to take a less-is-more approach to lighting: modern, efficient and unobtrusive. Under cabinet accents provided subtle task lighting, while Xenon up lighting was installed as the main source of illumination. Tossing the white laminate in favor of wood cabinetry in a light finish brought immediate warmth to this kitchen, evoking a clean, Northern European aesthetic. Stark white tiles were replaced with natural stone and decorative tile accents, bringing texture and interest to the overall look, while all-new stainless steel appliances completed the update. By freeing up space, designing with accessibility in mind, and improving the quality of light, we transformed the stymied room behind the breakfast bar barricade into a fully-functional kitchen—and a delightful focal point.