Photography by Haley Day, unless noted, courtesy of INworkshop.
Architect Idan Naor didn’t set out to design a kitchen that calls to mind a Cubist painting.
He and his clients weren’t the only ones who objected to it: Opi, the couple’s three-legged rescue dog, “vehemently refused to travel down the open risers—they were intimidating at his eye level,” says Naor.
The overall design of the kitchen evolved as Naor came up with the solution for the staircase the planar look was our sculptural answer to a tight...
...spatial problem rather than a pre conceived aesthetic agenda The equally surprising island which doubles as the owners cocktail bar is finished in fluting milled from solid walnut
Naor—on the left with his client—gave the island a “pizza pie plan”: two slices are stools and two offer under-the-sink storage; a narrow “fifth slice” between the stools offers concealed shelving for small objects.
Needless to say, these “curved assemblies” all had to line up precisely—architecture and fabrication studio Kyle May, Architect was responsible for all of the millwork, and M&E Construction served as general contractor.
Naor designed the island to “serve as a liminal threshold between the kitchen and the living area.” The counters, and backsplash are all Richlite, a paper pulp material often used in laboratories and a longstanding Remodelista favorite (see Remodeling 101: Paper Composite Countertops).
Photograph by Idan Naor.
The lower cabinet boxes are made of plywood, edge-banded and veneered with ash. The painted wood upper cabinets are framed in walnut.
The walls are finished with waterproof Venetian lime plaster a green choice that Naor notes magnifies the dynamism of...
...hue saturation reflectivity and depth in varying natural light The round electrical outlets are by Bocci see The Surprising Appeal of Flush Electrical Outlets and DIY Flush Outlets Courtesy of a Budget-Minded Young Architect
Photograph by Idan Naor.
The upper cabinets, with tilt-up openings, hold plates, glasses, and serving bowls.
“Our clients have remarked that the completed space is calming and engaging at the same time,” say Naor.