New Black-and-White Kitchen Honors Its Traditional Roots
Photos by Chi Fang
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A woman with four adult children who visit often
Location: San Francisco
Size: About 500 square feet (46.5 square feet)
Architect: Jennifer Tulley Architects
After raising her four children in this 1909 San Francisco house, the homeowner decided it was time to upgrade her kitchen. Taking cues from the house’s existing style, architect Jennifer Tulley expanded and modernized the kitchen to increase storage, functionality and space for family gatherings.
The existing kitchen was long and narrow, “which didn’t make sense for a contemporary kitchen,” Tulley says. So she had several large closets removed, reframed the enlarged space and raised the ceiling 2 feet. “That completely changed our possibilities for orientation, views and light,” she says.
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A woman with four adult children who visit often
Location: San Francisco
Size: About 500 square feet (46.5 square feet)
Architect: Jennifer Tulley Architects
After raising her four children in this 1909 San Francisco house, the homeowner decided it was time to upgrade her kitchen. Taking cues from the house’s existing style, architect Jennifer Tulley expanded and modernized the kitchen to increase storage, functionality and space for family gatherings.
The existing kitchen was long and narrow, “which didn’t make sense for a contemporary kitchen,” Tulley says. So she had several large closets removed, reframed the enlarged space and raised the ceiling 2 feet. “That completely changed our possibilities for orientation, views and light,” she says.
Tulley selected white cabinets from Cugini Cabinets for a crisp, bright aesthetic. The flush inset cabinets with Shaker doors are topped with a crown molding that mimics what is found throughout the house, but with a more streamlined, contemporary look. The white cabinets are accented with black hardware to create a stark contrast. The rustic farmhouse table is an existing piece owned by the client.
Built-in coffee machine: Miele
Built-in coffee machine: Miele
Tulley added black-framed French doors that open to a Juliet balcony that overlooks the garden in the backyard. The kitchen island is walnut, selected because most of the furniture throughout the home is dark wood. “The island, with all of its drawers and cabinets, also functions like a piece of furniture in the room,” Tulley adds. The oak floor matches what’s in the rest of the house.
The island and counters are topped with Carrara marble, which is also used for the backsplash and a custom shelf. “These details make the marble, a classic material, more modern and functional,” Tulley says.
Tulley added wire mesh to some of the glass cabinets, which gives a bit of a rustic feel. “The client’s house is the cusp of the Edwardian and Craftsman styles, so the metal mesh also speaks to the Craftsman aspects of her house,” Tulley says.
A wall of cabinets with opaque glass frames the doorway leading to the dining room, providing additional storage for dinnerware and serveware that comes in handy when the homeowner hosts friends and family. “She uses the kitchen a lot, as her kids are grown but still live nearby,” Tulley says. “She entertains friends, but this kitchen is a great space for family gatherings.”