Troy Adams of Studio Becker is best known for his fusion kitchen designs that bring together influences from the East and West. But he agreed to collaborate with a German manufacturer to produce an updated version of the traditional kitchen.
“It has all the traditional English elements: a cooking alcove, a mantel with shelves and posts on either side of the range, and a farmhouse sink,” Adams says. “But we cleaned up the cabinet doors and made them smooth, with no ornate details. They look more like Shaker doors that were painted. And we used a more modern-looking single-pane glass without any mullions or bevels.”
Adams turned up the heat a notch with turquoise Pyrolave lavastone countertops—one of his trademark touches—and a mahogany top for the island. “The wood brings in nature and tones the room down from being too sterile,” he says. He enlarged the central island to 5 feet by 7 feet, which allows cooks to work from all four sides.
The Collection T Bristol cabinets have a lacquered finish. “Traditional cabinets are simply painted,” Adams says. “Lacquer prevents the paint from absorbing odors and grease, and that makes the cabinets longer-lasting.” He used a repetition of small drawers next to the stove and sink and on the island to give the room continuity. “People always ask for pullout drawers everywhere. But if you do that, it makes the kitchen look very busy.”
Adams has created an adult space for homeowners who do not want the smells and sounds to penetrate beyond its walls. The kitchen and butler’s pantry are perfectly suited to a large, traditional house where the kitchen is closed off from the breakfast and dining rooms. This kitchen is not meant to be seen or heard.
Troy Adams, Studio Becker, 510.865.1616, 310.657.1400, www.studiobecker.com
Materials
Doors: Studio Becker Collection T Bristol, brilliant white lacquer, matte finish Handles: Antique pewter finish Floor: White Carrara marble
Countertops: Pyrolave lavastone and mahogany
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