TRANSITIONAL KITCHENS

TRANSITIONAL KITCHENS: BETTER STYLE FOR MOST AMERICAN HOMES

Transitional kitchens are the most popular American style, because they are a natural bridge between Traditional and Contemporary architecture. Styles from the 19th and early 20th Centuries (1900-1959), including Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Bauhaus, International, Oriental, Frank Lloyd Wright's "Usonian," and Mid-Century Modern.

"Don't make something unless it is both necessary and useful; but if it is both necessary and useful, don't hesitate to make it beautiful." (Shaker lesson)

1970's Home. The original kitchen hid a spectacular view, and prevented conversation between occupants of the kitchen and the adjacent eating area. DESIGNER'S SOLUTIONS: The wall was removed, which opens the view to 165 degrees. A custom phone niche was designed, so the phone can be accessible and hide the calendar behind bifold doors, and a custom carved "Norwegian" valance adds interest to the kitchen window. Built-in furniture can accommodate the homeowners and their guests.

1960's Home. For years, the homeowners collected Red Skelton clown plates and figurines, and wanted a display cabinet for them in the new kitchen. They also wanted two cooktops, and a commercial wok. DESIGNER'S SOLUTIONS: The custom wood hood houses two large fans, and has space designated for display behind glass doors. A Brunswig fabric (used for the custom lambrequins) provided inspiration for the handpainted induction tiles and a custom mural above the gas cooktop and wok. Custom stained-glass inserts were created for all wall cabinets and the pantry cabinet, which repeat the flower and butterfly theme. To hide the water heater (which could not be moved), an artist was commissioned to paint a portrait of the wife dressed as one of Red Skelton's clowns. She's barefoot, pregnant, holding a frying pan in one hand and a golf club in the other. Her apron reads, "I'd rather be golfing." This project was selected by Kitchen and Bath Business Magazine for the cover and a feature article for the first West Coast Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS).

1950's Home. The homeowners, parents of two young children, wanted a kitchen with maximum function, expansive countertops, great storage, and low maintenance. DESIGNER'S SOLUTIONS: "Juparana" granite with strong diagonal lines leads the eye to the focal point, the commercial-style stainless steel range and hood. Wilsonart laminate flooring easily passes the children and pets test, and natural cherry cabinets will forgive natural wear and tear by a busy family.

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1970's Ranch Home. This home had a roofline that seemed never-ending. The homeowners wanted to make the kitchen larger by adding onto the side of the house. DESIGNER'S SOLUTIONS: A new dormer achieved two major results: It allowed a variable ceiling height in the kitchen ("the horseshoe"), and it added visual interest to the mundane roofline. The new kitchen and enclosed patio became a great place to entertain family and friends; the custom waterfall and "stream" add visual and audible pleasure to every gathering. The kitchen received one local, two regional, and two national design awards, and was featured in the Oregonian. The custom menu-message-homework area was featured in Kitchen Bath Design News. (See other areas in this home: Bathrooms and Additions.)

New Home. Custom cabinets allowed the freedom to have excellent natural lighting, great storage, and wonderful display. Because walls were constructed using Insulated Concrete Forms, it was possible to have display cabinets between two windows and the standard 12" deep cabinets (with glass doors). To maintain great lighting and energy efficiency, the homeowners manufactured custom LED strips, which were installed in ceiling recesses and at the bottom of all wall cabinets. Halogen pendant fixtures are used for task lighting over the built-in table ("Verde Laponia" quartzite) and the peninsula. This new home won the Portland Homebuilders' Association Excellence Award. (Also see Bathrooms and Living Rooms.)

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