01
Pole-mounted storage and a hanging fixture to display greetings and invitations are just a few of the creative solutions to everyday needs.
Project Details
Project Story
One can’t help but look at this kitchen and smile. Materials in pale colors, reflective surfaces, and plenty of light keep the space bright and cheerful, while azure blue lacquered cabinets add a punch of color. Looking for a snack or wine glass? Try the whimsical pole-mounted rotating storage unit next to the island. And forget refrigerator magnets; just post your note on the eye-catching light fixture hanging over the breakfast table.
It should come as no surprise that this Palo Alto, CA, residence is home to a young couple with four children who wanted a kitchen that was fun rather than formal or minimalist. “This is a creative kitchen for creative people,” says Robert Swatt, FAIA, the principal architect for the project.
But this kitchen doesn’t play around when it comes to function. Swatt and colleague Cristina Poblete, also of Swatt Architects, worked with cabinet manufacturer SieMatic to ensure the layouts would work well with the cabinet fixtures and sizes. Cooking and food prep takes place at the island, and cleanup at the extra-deep and long stainless sink on the other side. There are pull-out drawers for cookware on either side of the range, as well as pull-out pantries that flank the refrigerator and freezer.
“They are a very casual family, so they chose to not hide the kitchen equipment and food supplies, and to make as much of the kitchen as possible visible and accessible to everyone in the family . . . including small children,” says Swatt. The kitchen is adjacent to a family breakfast area on one side and a dining space on the other; all spaces are linked by what Swatt calls an “all-glass circulation spine” that looks out to and opens up to the central private courtyard. Finishes and details were chosen to work well with those in the rest of the house, which is as innovative as the kitchen. The H-shaped building features two major wings, one for adults and one for children, joined by a gallery that’s opaque on the street side and has a glass curtain wall on the side facing the private garden.
“They are a fun and creative couple who brought to the project a passion for architecture, a wealth of ideas collected over many years of contemplating their dream house, and a desire to create an artistic family home with unique materials and details,” says Swatt. “The result is a true collaboration between client and architect . . . a lively composition of dynamic spaces, rich materials, and intricate detailing.”
POST-IT LIGHT Instead of posting notes and photos on the fridge or bulletin board, try using a light fixture.
RACK IT UP A pole rack can store everyday items such as bread, fruit, snacks, glassware, and utensils within easy reach.
GET OUTDOORSY Bring the outdoors in with wall tile featuring images of river rocks, flooring embedded with seashells, and a glass curtain wall to let in views of the garden.
