GOLD
Updated European Traditional Display
STEVEN COOPER
Cooper Pacific Kitchens, West Hollywood, CA
Photos: Meghan Beierle-O’Brien
A fresh take on European traditional was the focus for the overhaul of the flagship display by Steven Cooper, who worked with Meredith Gullion, in the Cooper Pacific Kitchens Showroom in the Pacific Design Center. With the luxury traditional market underrepresented in Los Angeles, the decision was made to add this opulent kitchen display, which plays with the layering of texture, color and updated traditional elements while it highlights the talents of the artisans who partner with the firm.
The showroom itself does not have access to any natural light, so creating an atmosphere that wasn’t cave-like was top of mind. Lighting is key in bringing the space to life, and is included inside of cabinets, under the stone shelf at the cooking wall, as well as in fixtures.
The idea of layering brass and walnut and dark gloss cabinetry needed to be balanced with brightness, so white relief in the structure surrounds the range, while a bold Calacatta Viola marble with a white base on the islands offsets the dark tones of the custom cabinets. Black honed granite and Phantom Black quartzite are also used on the perimeter – which includes a 60″ Wolf Dual Fuel Range and custom barrel hood – along with backsplash tile from Artistic Tile. A Sub-Zero 36″ Column Refrigerator and 36″ Undercounter Refrigerator Drawer are tucked away. A Franke KBX sink pairs with a Gantry faucet from Waterstone Faucets in one of the islands, with integrated Cove dishwasher within reach.
SILVER
Coming Home
LAUREN TOLLES
Maison Birmingham with KSI Kitchen & Bath, Birmingham, MI
Photos: Martin Vecchio, Martin Vecchio Photography LLC
A welcoming home was the design goal for Lauren Tolles and Maison Birmingham’s recent renovation of its entire 2,400-sq.-ft. showroom space, which was done to incorporate its acquisition of KSI Kitchen & Bath. Instead of a multitude of small vignettes, there are now larger displays that show more features and details.
Striking a balance of showing enough without showing too much was a key design challenge. The focus was on editing and organizing products in the selection center so that there were a lot of choices without being overwhelming. For example, hardware is displayed in drawers like jewelry and rail-mounted custom cabinet doors are painted various shades of white so clients can focus on door style rather than be influenced by color.
Custom offerings from Maison Birmingham were also blended with KSI’s more economical offerings within one space, so visitors can see that they can combine multiple product offerings and finishes in one space. It teaches customers that they can focus on one or two custom pieces and use semi-custom options in other areas of the room.
While the open environment was important in terms of flow, the presentation room was designed to be a space where private conversations with clients can take place. The inclusion of a frame-style television, disguised as artwork, enhances presentations and adds to the ‘wow’ factor since clients love to see their spaces come to life on screen.
BRONZE
Showcasing the Details
CARLA PARKER & ERIN PARKER
Bay to Beach Builders, Millville, DE
Photos: Rolfe Hokanson, Rolfe Hokanson Photography
A spa-like, tranquil environment was established in the Bay to Beach interactive Design Studio in Ocean View, DE, where the luxury home-buying and design experience could be fun and creative. Carla Parker and Erin Parker, working together with the entire Bay to Beach Builders Team, transformed the 3,370-sq.-ft. space into a custom home selection center with hundreds of products and innovative technologies where it’s all about the experience.
The center focuses on the company’s Amish, old-world hand craftsmanship combined with state-of-the-art technology. The attention to detail is within the hands of the company’s Amish trades, who crafted their talent in every corner.
The company also layers name-brand product displays with the latest trends that include a theater, fireplace vignettes and interactive kitchen and bath vignettes. The functionality and flow guide the firm’s target audiences – retirees, growing families and vacation homebuyers – by creating a seamless process for home selections. The center includes Kohler and Pelican sinks, Berenson hardware pieces, Moen faucets, Daltile backsplashes and Mannington floors, that range in styles including contemporary, farmhouse, traditional and luxury.
