The judges felt this sophisticated kitchen outside Minneapolis struck an appealing tone. “It has the right level of snappiness and texture,” said one juror. “It’s an elegantly traditional kitchen.”
Architects Jean Rehkamp Larson and Mark Larson took classic details and reinterpreted them in a streamlined fashion. The black-and-white tile backsplash goes right to the edge of the cabinets, rather than meeting a border. Simple, raised “X” patterns on some of the cabinet fronts serve as another example of this old-meets-new approach. “It’s mixing the idea of an old-world material with placing it in a way that’s clean,” Rehkamp Larson says.
The black-and-white theme continues with the square floor tiles, while brass accents provide a warm contrast. Two pantries—one for everyday use, and the other a more formal butler’s pantry—supply plenty of storage. A casual dining table and a built-in desk area help make the kitchen a truly modern-day space.
Entrant/Architect: Rehkamp Larson Architects, Minneapolis; Builder: Dovetail Renovation, Minneapolis; Interior designer: Alecia Stevens, Minneapolis; Living space: 6,000 square feet; Construction cost: Withheld; Photographer: Gilmore Photography.
Resources: Cooktop: La Cornue, www.lacornue.com; Flooring (tile): Paris Ceramics, www.parisceramics.com, Ann Sacks, www.annsacks.com; Kitchen fixtures: Rohl, www.rohlhome.com, BLANCO, www.blancoamerica.com; Lighting fixtures: Lightworks, www.lightworkslighting.com; Oven/refrigerator: Miele, www.miele.com; Paints/stains/wall finishes: Benjamin Moore, www.benjaminmoore.com; Windows: Marvin Windows and Doors, www.marvin.com.