Fresh Start

In Fresh Start, the goal was seemingly simple; the homeowners wanted a warm and comfortable kitchen that tied into their open floorplan and met their frequent cooking and baking needs. Overcoming the challenges of such a large space and an irregularly shaped area, prolific designer Mick De Giulio and project manager Greg Webb, far exceeded the homeowners’ expectations.

The appliances play a key role in the kitchen design, as their functionality was of utmost importance to the owners. Two Sub-Zero refrigerators/freezers claim their domain in one corner of the kitchen, next to the ample preparation space of the white marble top island. The simple stainless-steel exterior of the refrigeration complements the oven console designed by De Giulio. The brushed and polished stainless steel coordinates with the stainless-steel features of the Wolf convection steam oven, E series oven, and warming drawer. The planked sides of the console repeat the visual paneled-wall motif. The Wolf rangetop is prominently positioned in the middle of the kitchen, housed in a farmhouse-style table. The reclaimed pine console includes a sliding, marble work surface and a beveled cutting board cover for the double griddle.

Aesthetically, De Giulio achieves balance in the light space with contrasting hot-rolled steel uprights used for the freestanding and hanging etageres. This thinly proportioned visual contrast also repeats in the window muntins and ventilation hood bottom trim. The hanging etagere defines the spaces but also aids the flow between the kitchen and butler’s pantry—a helpful addition for storage, preparation, and clean up. It also accentuates the soaring ceiling height. The white, horizontally paneled walls create an elongating effect that visually repeats throughout the kitchen. White-washed wood beams give the ceiling added texture.

De Giulio’s Fresh Start kitchen is anything but a classic white kitchen. It combines the elegance and timelessness of a neutral color scheme with the functionality of high-end appliances—plus some unique details—for a truly breathtaking and personalized kitchen.