A Spec Kitchen That’s Special

Published: November 27, 2023
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Sara Malek Barney, founder of BANDD/DESIGN and BANDD/DEVELOPMENT, purchased a six-bed, six-bath home in the Austin hill country with the intention to revamp it and get the most bang for her buck. Her plan was to take the 1997 structure down to its bones and work with, not against, the architecture of the house. As part of the project, she created a space that defies the stainless steel + white cabinets norm of the spec kitchen.

As an investment, Barney recognized the potential of the property, which is nearly three acres in size. “The land the house sits on is just incredible and unmatched for the area. It feeds into a great school district and a greenbelt, with plenty of space for a family to enjoy.”

To increase the appeal of the home to prospective buyers, Barney focussed on the kitchen. “I really wanted to make sure the island design was a little more furniture-forward than your standard box of cabinets,” she said. A footed design, rounded corners, open shelving and a rich natural wood finish give the piece panache. Industrial-inspired hardware in a gold tone continue other metallic elements in the space, including the faucet and lighting fixtures.

The built-in cabinets act as a soft background to the island. Painted a dusty green, they pick up on the lush plantings on the site. “By layering texture and materials, we give the kitchen a warm, organic feel,” said the designer.

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—By Leslie Clagett, KBB managing editor 

Source List

Design: Sara Malek Barney, BANDD/DESIGN Photography: Madeleine Landry Appliances: JennAir Cabinets: Custom Cabinet Hardware: Buster + Punch Countertops, Backsplash: Levantina Faucets: Kallista Lighting: Circa Paint: Benjamin Moore Sink: Kohler  

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