Seeking a permanent family haven after years of nomadic living, the homeowners desired an organic-modern space that blended Old World charm with contemporary elegance, deeply rooted in their personal history. Entertaining was at the top of their wish list. They envisioned a kitchen that would serve as the central gathering place for family and friends, with ample space for meal preparation, casual dining and socializing.
Alexis Vitale, founder of Hermosa Beach, Cal.-based Vitale Design Group, completely reimagined the floor plan by flipping the original layout and relocating key living spaces. A large island became the focal point of the design, providing generous prep space while comfortably accommodating guests who could gather around and remain connected to the hosts during meals and events. This transformation allowed for a significantly larger, more inviting kitchen that now serves as the heart of the home while seamlessly connecting to the adjacent living areas and outdoor kitchen and backyard.
Stylish Storage
The designer selected white oak as the primary cabinetry material for its natural warmth, beautiful grain and ability to bring texture and softness to the space.
The vertical fluting on the door fronts was introduced as a way to bring texture and craftsmanship into the kitchen while reinforcing the home’s organic-modern design direction. “Because the overall palette consists of natural materials and clean architectural lines, we wanted a feature that would add visual depth without relying on excessive ornamentation,” said Vitale.
The fluting creates a subtle play of light and shadow throughout the day, giving the cabinetry a sense of movement and dimension. It also helps soften the scale of the larger cabinetry elements and the expansive island, making the space feel more inviting and approachable.
The drawer fronts also have an artisanal touch to them, with the pulls oriented vertically at either end of the panel, which itself features a routed organic-modern geometric detail.
“The design of the drawer fronts and hardware was inspired by our desire to blur the line between kitchen cabinetry and furniture,” said Vitale. “Instead of using hardware in a conventional way, we explored placements and proportions that would highlight the cabinetry’s clean lines while adding character and visual interest. This approach allowed the hardware to feel purposeful rather than purely functional.
Storage was one of the most important aspects of this design, and every cabinet interior was thoughtfully planned around the homeowners’ daily routines and organizational needs. From the outset, the goal was to ensure that every item in the kitchen had a designated home, allowing the space to remain functional, efficient, and free of visual clutter.
Concealed paper towel storage, hidden sponge and cleaning supply holders, specialty drawer organizers, and customized storage solutions for cookware, utensils, serving pieces and pantry items allow commonly used items to remain easily accessible while staying out of sight.
Sources for Organic-Modern Kitchen in Redondo Beach
Design: Alexis Vitale, Vitale Design Group Photography: Charlotte Lea Photography & Tina Michelle Photo Appliances: Thermador Cabinets: David Gonzalez Faucets: Rebacks Stonework: Jose Gonzalez Tile: Battaglia Stile
