Before the renovation, a wall separated the kitchen from the family room. "The original plan was to knock out the wall between the two," Carnemark says. Because it was a load-bearing wall, they had to leave a section intact for support, which allowed them to conceal pipes and electrical work while adding visual interest to the space. Says Carnemark, "A lot of times, problems will turn into better solutions."
In the current design, a 12-foot island separates the kitchen from the family room, allowing guests to mingle nearby without getting in the cook’s way. A floor-to-ceiling wall of cupboards off to one side showcases Stone’s favorite SieMatic cabinetry, known for its storage capacity and ecologically sound materials. Another wall integrates the brown-lacquered cabinets with appliances by Gaggenau and countertops by Caesarstone. Around the corner, Carnemark created space for a computer desk.
To offset the spare, contemporary look, he painted red accent walls, which make the kitchen feel warm and inviting. According to Stone, the result is "fabulous. It’s not just ‘the other room’ anymore. We spend 95 percent of our free time there."
Architecture, Interior Design & Construction: Jonas Carnemark, Carnemark systems + design inc., Bethesda, Maryland. SieMatic Cabinetry: Konst Kitchen Interior Design, Bethesda, Maryland
