ASID Award of Excellence 2019| FIRST PLACE Residential Kitchen | Washington St Chapter
When my clients purchased a 1928 home in the Laurelhurst neighborhood of Seattle in 2013, they dreamed of a contemporary Scandinavian kitchen. The kitchen was remodeled in the early 2000s by the previous owners but living in their home for nearly 3 years, they knew it was not their style. A small family room connected to the kitchen space provides access to a deck which offers views of Lake Washington. However, the small family room was rarely used, and they wished to incorporate it all into one larger kitchen/hang out area.
My clients requested help with the layout and space planning. They knew and possessed a Pinterest page to represent their established contemporary Scandinavian style sense of what they like/don’t like., but desired help making final decisions on countertops, appliances, tile, etc.
The style sense which they clearly identified was contemporary Scandinavian (more on this below) though less minimalist. White cabinets, white tile, hardwood floors, clean but not too sleek. Still lived-in and cozy.
Scandinavian interior design informs with a distinct look as hailed in design magazines. There is a focus on simplicity, minimalism and functionality. This design movement emerged in the 1950s but took on steam in the US late 90’s. Sofas, tables, and chairs embrace mid century modern tendencies with smooth rounded edges and natural hues. A space savvy approach prevails through practical storage.
The color palette associated with Scandinavian designs is typically whites, grays, blacks and browns creating a clean and calming look. Pop colors like the bright blue seen in this project add accent and eye appeal. In typical Scandinavian spaces, walls are kept white allowing for furniture and art to captivate. We did maintain while walls and cabinets for this project. Even the area rug carries forth the ‘color pop’.
One of the truest characteristics of Scandinavian interior design is making sure spaces are well used and limited in unnecessary clutter. For this project, pocket doors on a pair of cabinets conceal bar stemware and kitchen tableware. A place for everything and everything in its place.
Each family member has a personal ‘locker’ for shoes, hats, jackets and such as they enter the kitchen. Each decision for my clients and this remodel shows intentional interior design to create their vision of a contemporary Scandinavian kitchen.