Vertical Walnut and Calacatta Kitchen Sanctuary

The Vision

For this high-end residential project, the objective was to create a kitchen that serves not only as a culinary workspace but as a piece of architectural art. The clients desired an aesthetic that blended the warmth of mid-century materials with the clean lines of contemporary design, often referred to as 'Organic Modern.' The focal point needed to command attention without feeling cluttered or heavy.

The Challenge

The primary challenge lay in integrating a large, professional-grade ventilation system required for the chef's range without allowing stainless steel machinery to dominate the visual landscape. Additionally, the wall required a texture that could stand up to the boldness of the stone slab without competing with it. Achieving perfect alignment between the millwork and the floating shelves while maintaining the structural integrity for the heavy stone backsplash required precise coordination between our millworkers and stonemasons.

The Solution

We implemented a floor-to-ceiling vertical slat wall crafted from rich American Walnut. This linear application draws the eye upward, emphasizing the ceiling height, while the warm timber tones soften the space. To conceal the ventilation, we constructed a custom minimalist box hood finished in a crisp, white plaster, creating a negative space that allows the surrounding materials to breathe. Anchoring the design is a book-matched slab of Calacatta Gold marble, its dramatic grey and gold veining acting as a natural mural. The look is finished with brushed brass sconces that introduce a touch of metallic luxury against the matte wood.