Can’t Stand the Heat?

Despite the age-old adage, the kitchen is often a welcome refuge from summer’s scorching heat. Where better to cut open a big, juicy watermelon, squeeze some fresh lemonade or cool your heels by walking barefoot on some beautiful tile or stone? No matter what’s cooking, we designed these sunny kitchens so they always manage to keep their cool.

Guacamole anyone? In a Spanish Revival hacienda in California, this kitchen literally exudes sunshine and fiestas in the making. Warm, golden tiles glow against crisp, white plaster walls, and an arch of decorative Mexican tile provides a playful touch of color and pattern. One can’t help but want to pop the cork on a bottle of cava and dance the day away. Bright, romantic and fun, this kitchen is an absolute sueno.

Inspired by another European country, thisgothick kitchen is reminiscent of jolly old England…on an exceedingly rare, sunny day! Classic blue and white provides a cool counterpoint to warm wooden floors and golden marble countertops. In addition, we designed sweeping crown moldings and coffered ceilings to lend old world appeal and accentuate the glorious height of the space. The painted chairs, pointed tiled arches flanking the stove, and quatrefoils on the islands all accentuate the Gothic Revival style of this family kitchen.

This modern, New York City kitchen is all about the beauty of contrasts. Designed in collaboration with SPG Architects, it blends dark walnut cabinetry with golden limestone countertops and cool, gray marble floors. Bright turquoise upholstery provides an unexpected dash of cool color while Lucite knobs and pulls provide a bit of sparkle against the rich backdrop of the cabinetry. Truly a mixture of fire and ice.

When faced with a beautiful 1920’s house with an outdated 1970’s kitchen, our only answer was a total reinvention. Bringing it back to its roots, we blended classic elements like simple, painted cabinets and white marble countertops. Above the door to the butler’s pantry, we hung an over-scaled, antique clock, creating a nice counterpoint to the sleek, stainless appliances. On the island, we added a tiered stand, laden with Mother Nature’s finest, including oranges from a tree in the garden.

If you can’t stand the heat, or perhaps just can’t stand your kitchen, maybe it’s time for a new design recipe.