Most Creative Use of Materials in a Kitchen

This welcoming kitchen is the perfect example of what carte blanche enables a designer to accomplish. It also helps that the project lead and co-founder of Obelisk Home, Nathan Taylor, was involved from the start of this home’s construction, meaning he could brainstorm with the homeowners exactly what they envisioned for their space before walls went up. That’s why there are no walls—only glass pocket doors—between the kitchen and patio. One of their priorities was a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor entertaining.

The couple also requested an island expansive enough to set up a buffet line on one side and still have seating adjacent. Danby marble was chosen for its elegance, sturdiness and ability to resist dinner-party stains. The island was further customized with hidden storage at the end for conveniently stowing patio necessities. 

Another non-negotiable was balance. Notice how the fridge and freezer flank a built-in espresso bar and how the range is midway between two sets of cabinets, warming drawers and ovens. There’s symmetry in the backsplash, too—made of mirrors and glass to play off the reflectivity of the white acrylic, soften the look comprehensively and serve as a work of art.