Synopsis: Designer Nadia Subaran of Aidan Design made a number of unusual decisions for this kitchen remodel, including removing a window, separating the refrigerator and freezer, and adding wood next to the stove in place of stone countertop. The creative workarounds and unique design ideas make the kitchen and mudroom addition truly shine.

Contrary to current trends in kitchen design, there are times when omitting a window is the right solution to a problem. Such was the case for this Silver Spring, Maryland, kitchen and mudroom project by Aidan Design. “The push is to create spaces that are more light-filled, open, and connected to all of the adjacent spaces,” says principal Nadia Subaran, “but the first thing I told these homeowners was that they should close up a window in the dining area.”

The window was a sticking point for a few reasons. Working around it created a tight squeeze for a 36-in. range, and the dimensions of the adjacent mudroom were limited by the window’s location. Plus, the view was the side of a neighboring house. Removing the window and forfeiting the light wasn’t an easy sell, but Subaran appealed to the couple’s culinary proclivities, noting that with the window out of the way, there would be room for a 48-in. range, which would be a game-changer. Additionally, the mudroom would be able to expand, which was critical to improving its capacity to function on multiple levels.

Space was taken from the dining area to enlarge the kitchen, which meant it could now accommodate a dry bar and a large center island. The bulk of the cabinetry is full-overlay maple in Wood-Mode’s Vintage Shadow Gray, while the island cabinets are Navy. “We didn’t want wood finishes because we already had wood floors,” Subaran notes, explaining that natural wood was used for small accents, such as the floating shelves. She concedes that navy in the kitchen has been trending for the last couple of years, but explains her choice this way: “When it comes to cabinets and countertops, we always think about materials and colors that will have longevity. We’ve been doing navy for about eight years and custom grays for about 18 years—they are not a trend; they are part of the classic color palette.”

Sources:

• CABINETRY Brookhaven Edgemont Recessed by Wood-Mode
• APPLIANCES Thermador range, Sub- Zero refrigeration and wine unit, Zephyr range hood, Sharp microwave, U-Line undercounter refrigerator
• FAUCET Mountain Plumbing Products
• SINK Franke
• COUNTERS 3-cm Victoria Falls Quartzite for sink, island, and dry bar; walnut for range wall and mudroom
• BACKSPLASH 2-in. by 6-in. Encore Ceramics C22 Silver Crackle Glaze ceramic field tile; 1/4-in. by 6 1/2-in. miniquarter- round with Laticrete grout and caulk in Sauterne
• CABINET HARDWARE kitchen, Lewis Dolin; mudroom, Top Knobs Aspen

From Fine Homebuilding #287

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