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Smallest Coolest Kitchen 2007 Entry #4: Camil's Bright Modern Aesthetic


Name: Camil
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Size & Type: 65 square feet in a 1 bedroom apartment

Favorite resource: Design Source, 115 Bowery, NY. Good prices, large selections for hardware

Inspiration: I thought long and hard about how to renovate my galley kitchen that also served as my apartment entrance. I wanted a clean, bright, and welcoming space with a modern aesthetic that was not too "harsh"...

 
 

2007_04_13-SCC4Camil02.jpg


Inspiration Continued: ...and I wanted the cabinetry finishes to complement the rest of the furnishings in the living and dining rooms that the space opened into. The local cabinetmaker loved his craft and it showed. I managed to squeeze an 18" dishwasher - worth it! - as well as adding a small breakfast nook and a corner lazy susan for lots of storage underneath. Matte almond subway wall tiles and large porcelain floor tiles complemented the stained maple. I feel it came out just right.

2007_04_13-SCC4Camil03.jpg


Tip: Don't discount your local cabinet maker for custom cabinets - in my case he beat the price of the better grade "Home Depot" lines.

- Camil

Comments (23)

Beautiful, clean and well organized. And thanks for the great tip about talking to custom cabinetmakers before settling for standard issue cabinets, Camil. I'd really like to see some stuff out, though. And maybe a little art on the walls to warm it up and add some colorful focal points. You've created the perfect neutral background to make color touches really pop.

posted by Terry B on April 13th 2007 at 6:27am
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Now we are getting somewhere... Clean simple, clutter free and lots of workspace. I definately would want to cook there.

The only thing missing is a little personal touch, artwork, color, funky lighting -- something to make it 'yours'. This is especially important, as it doubles as your foyer and is the first thing people see of your home.

posted by phaedrus on April 13th 2007 at 6:45am
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Gorgeous!
(Jealous...)

posted by Pixie on April 13th 2007 at 7:00am
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That kitchen looks larger than 65 sq ft. Even without the floor space under the chairs. (But that should be counted too, right?)

I love the first photo - curving the countertop is a good idea to give more space while softening it a bit, too.

posted by Sea on April 13th 2007 at 7:22am
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love love love the cabinets!

posted by ForbiddenFruit on April 13th 2007 at 8:08am
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Camil your kitchen is beautiful! I'm not big on modern but I like the wooden cabinets - your right it's not to harsh. But for me it's missing something? I agree with phaedrus in that it lacks a personal touch. Something that reflects you even a single item no matter how big or small would work! Good luck!

posted by E.I.F. on April 13th 2007 at 8:16am
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Nicely tailored and stylish. Way to think outside of the box by opting for a smaller dishwasher. How many people actually fill a full-sized dw? (Or, how many days does a full-sized dw sit waiting to get totally filled with dirty dishes.)

posted by art on April 13th 2007 at 9:13am
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Ah, I realize my earlier comment was ambiguous. My guess is that this kitchen is actually around or at least 80 sq ft.

posted by Sea on April 13th 2007 at 9:58am
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absolutely fantastic !!
I would spend most of my time in that kitchen!
CN

posted by Cora on April 13th 2007 at 10:43am
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LOVE!

A quick question, as i have half an idea to redo my kitchen as well; is there anything between the dishwasher and countertop (some kind of support?) or does it just float over it?

If so, would you worry about putting a heavy appliance (for example a kitchenaid mixer), on top?

posted by sanna on April 13th 2007 at 10:51am
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I love the simplicity, the feeling of no clutter!
The dishwasher is perfect for every day use (cute)!

Bo

posted by Bo on April 13th 2007 at 11:09am
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What kind of countertops did you use?

posted by LaDonnaNichole on April 13th 2007 at 5:47pm
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The way the backsplash extends in photos 1 and 2 is kind of odd.

posted by carrier on April 14th 2007 at 4:13am
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Nice Space, warm and inviting,

Nino

posted by Nino on April 14th 2007 at 8:39am
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Love that lamp
L.

posted by Leonie on April 14th 2007 at 9:37am
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Really wonderful. I love the chairs. I love the chairs. I love the chairs.

posted by JacksonMarie on April 14th 2007 at 2:12pm
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Fantastic design for such a small space. Inviting for both eating in and for food prep.
I particularly like the matching of the wall and cabinet colors; I think that they give the room a very cozy and warm atmosphere.
Great job!

posted by candle on April 14th 2007 at 2:53pm
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I agree about the personal touches. It looks like you haven't moved in yet!

posted by Xeno on April 14th 2007 at 8:00pm
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Great choice on the cabinet maker. Love the cabinet color and the counter top. Like the curve at the breakfast nook counter - nice touch and the seating is perfect, it really softens the connection to next room in the apartment from the kitchen. Also, I like the lighting, bright and warm.

posted by sundermoon on April 16th 2007 at 6:13am
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I used to have a kitchen that was the entryway too and I think part of what makes this kitchen special is how it addresses this dual function - the layout welcomes, allows for easy entry and exit, and still works as a well-laid out kitchen. And of course it's beautiful - simple, classic.

I am planing my own renovation - please give me the info for your cabinetmaker!

posted by mamamd on April 18th 2007 at 6:12pm
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Mamamd,
The place is called Lorenzo woodworks, at 337 Atlantic ave. his number is 718 596 7351. The owner is Sal. thanks for the comments and Good luck!

posted by nyguy on April 19th 2007 at 11:03am
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Countertops are Cambria, similar to Silestone.

posted by nyguy on April 19th 2007 at 11:04am
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Sanna,
The countertop simply hangs over the DW. it's only 18", and the stone is pretty strong. the installers had no issue with it.

posted by nyguy on April 19th 2007 at 12:45pm
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