b'ages into a mood board, and gradually my kitchen started to take shape. Whilequisitionswasarefectory our architects and kitchen designers, Ren and Marvin Clawson, hammered outtablethatItookoffthe the math and layout and cabinet configuration, I set out to source plumbing andhands of a real estate client light fixtures, tile, hardware, sinks, and refine our color palette. who sadly didnt have room After all the time, thought, and money we invest in our kitchen remodels,for it in the new space. The we want the outcome to garner oohs and aahs. We want a showpiece. But as Ilong, banquet-style table was learned from those English kitchens, it should also be a workhorse. With thatcompletely covered in layers in mind, I chose materials and fixtures recognized for their hard-wearing char- of white paint. I stripped it acteristics as well as their ability to develop a beautiful patina over time. Lifealloff,stainedthetopand happens, and aging should increase a materials beauty rather than spotlightingpaintedthebody.Iraised its imperfections.the leg height to accommo-So our cabinets are made from maple, a hardwood renowned for its dura- dateGaryswheelchairand bility. For the island, by nature a high-traffic area, I chose a chestnut stain so Irestored the hardware, with could cover bruises with a stain pen rather than attempt to patch chipped paint.alittleguidancefromPaul Almost all of the light fixtures are rewired antiques dating back to the earlyLewis of 2GFN. 20th century. The hardware includes salvaged Eastlake bin pulls, manufacturedOurcontractor,Dave around 1895. The countertops are a mix of soapstone, a soft stone with highKasdan, understood the role talc content that takes on an old-world look and feel as it ages, and quartzite, athat metal, wood, stone and harder stone thats more durable than marble. porcelain would play in rec-Some pieces I collected are from local shops, but one of my favorite ac- reatingahistorictoneand texture. His team cut sections from our antique moulding andhadnewpiecesfabri- The copper sink will take on a beautiful patina over cated to replicate it. The cus- time; it is known to have anti-bacterial properties. tom framed and tiled range hood was a special challenge. A lot of care and planning resulted inprinciples of universal design to rec-a seamless transition that blended per- ommend appliances, Ren created an fectly with the rest of the backsplash.accessible space for people of varying Every decision was made with an eye toabilities, ages, and heights. both aesthetics and durability. For instance, the GE Caf French Planning the kitchen layout was adoor oven is easy for Gary to use while critical part of the process, accordingin his wheelchair and easy for me to to Ellen Schwartz of Karls Appliances.use as a short person. We dont have to Kitchen designers are artists who un- stretch over a conventional oven door. derstandthelimitationsofthesite,The Sharp microwave drawer provides shesaid.Theyavoidcookie-cuttera similar ease of use. The Wolf induc-layouts in favor of the familys needs. tion range generates a magnetic field Appliances played a key role in cre- to cook food with precision, speed and ating equity in our kitchen. Using theefficiency.Garywontburnhimself The family is a big fan of Hamilton, the musical. They purchased this canvas featuringThe french door oven was chosen for its conveniences. The refectory table is large the 10 dollar bill from 2GFN.enough for the family to dine at while also keeping an ongoing chess game intact.16/ matters magazine / hearth + home 2022'