Eclectic Style
Gothic beauty meets avant-garde sophistication in this newly renovated kitchen in Old Tappan. Glen Lumia, owner of Creative Design Construction, effortlessly paired principles of ancient architectural design with innovative, modern detailing to create an inviting and user-friendly space for empty-nesters who enjoy cooking.
An expert at scale and dimension, Lumia and colleague Sarah Cassidy played up contrast with a combination of frosty white and espresso cabinets and modern mix of counter materials. Beneath the 48-inch Viking cooktop and the island, darker cabinets are attention-grabbers but it is the island’s striking three-tiered, geometric shape that creates the room’s focal point. Lumia heightened the drama by adding a 2 ½-inch Wenger wood Top with double Roman ogee edge on the tallest tier. The tiers draw the eye upward to the tray ceiling, which mirrors the island’s unique shape. A pair of simple Schonbek glass pendants over the island adds a contemporary touch.
Clean, neutral contrasts and parallels define the theme of the entire kitchen, down to every detail. Satin nickel wire mesh inserts accent the tallest cabinets along two walls of the kitchen, just beneath classic molding that wraps the entire ceiling and tray ceiling. The deep decorative molding complements the ogee-edge of the ice white granite tops.
A picture window just above the sink, with a custom Gothic style grill, echoes the modern metal mesh pattern along the cabinets. Lumia effortlessly pairs old and new by evoking the austerity of Gothic architecture with the opulent sophistication of modern-day design.
