August 11, 2010

Old Hollywood glamour gets a modern spin in this contemporary white kitchen by interior designer Erinn Valencich, of Erinn V Design Group. “I took a lot of inspiration from Italian kitchens, which are becoming increasing popular,” said Valencich, who worked on the complete remodel of this 1950s house in the Trousdale Estate area of Beverly Hills. “It’s open and spacious—a warm, modern kitchen.”
The clients, a hip French couple with two teenage children, do a lot of entertaining. The wife, who loves to cook, and the husband, who runs a fashion company, needed a functional and fabulous space to host parties for family, friends and business associates.

“They wanted the space to be very open,” said Valencich. “It’s a very California-lifestyle house.” To maximize the spacious feel, the designer “blew out” all the walls and raised all ceilings to 12 ft.

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One side of the kitchen opens to a tiny courtyard breakfast patio while the other opens to the swimming pool and views of Los Angeles. “Sliding pocket doors on both sides open up completely to the outdoors,” said Valencich.

The white, taupe and gray color scheme enhances the airy feel. The mix of wood and lacquered cabinets were all custom designed by Valencich and built locally. “I always like to have a mix of materials in any kitchen, and I think doing some of the doors with white glass gives variation of texture,” said Valencich. The 14-in. Lucite rail pulls complete the cabinetry. “They are a really fun new version of the stainless-steel rail pull, which is kind of played out,” said Valencich. “They add sparkle and appeal but also sort of disappear.”

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The 8-ft. x 8-ft. pie-shaped island features a cooktop, microwave drawer and four sleekly modern bar stools, repurposed from the owners’ existing furniture. “I designed it so they could have plenty of room for a family breakfast or, when entertaining, for guests to sit and the hosts still be able to cook.” Sculptural white pendants highlight the space.

All appliances in the kitchen are stainless-steel, including a full-height wine refrigerator with refrigerator drawers underneath. “Fridge drawers are so great and easy to access,” said Valencich. A built-in coffee maker is located to the right of the drawers.

For the main sink, Valencich selected an oversized stainless-steel design. “Large, basic stainless-steel sinks are a big trend in kitchens,” she said. “They are so easy to use and functional—and a lot cleaner-looking for a modern home. People are always impressed by a big sink that is sort of like a trough.”

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An offset mirrored mosaic backsplash, located over the entertainment sink, adds drama. “I wanted to give the kitchen a little sparkle,” said Valencich. “Because it’s a mid-century-era house, a throwback feel works. The mirrored tile gives it a retro feel.” An articulated faucet over the entertainment sink bends and tucks away, letting the mirrored backsplash shine.

Sleek surfaces make the space radiate style. White porcelain flooring is both luxurious and practical. “I love the idea of old terrazzo floors that were big in that time period, but they are very expensive,” said Valencich. “This gives you a similar feel of the high-polished look at a much lower price point. It’s also indestructible, which is nice with kids and parties.” The Calcutta gold countertops are statuary-grade white marble, which has bigger veins. “It has a larger area of gray and more random pattern of gray,” said Valencich. “Statuary marble is more interesting and contemporary.”

Valencich’s contemporary white kitchen is a hit with her clients. “They love it and so have their guests,” she said. “When you walk in to the kitchen, it really stands out. They’re having a great time in the kitchen.”

Sources

Designer: Erinn Valencich—Erinn V Design Group, Los Angeles; Manufacturers: Cabinetry: Custom design by Erinn Valencich; Refrigeration: Sub-Zero; Cooking appliances: Wolf, Miele (coffee maker); Backsplash tile: Ann Sacks; Faucets and sinks: Kohler; Hand rails: Atlas Homewares; Lighting: Trend Lighting Photography: Jamie Fisher