The 1970s Denver home was due for modernization. The clients told designer Margarita Bravo they wanted a kitchen that would be functional and fashionable – a space for cooking and camaraderie.
To transform the dated space into an expansive, light-filled culinary hub, Bravo began by making an addition to the back of the house to enhance its overall functionality. The goal was to seamlessly blend the new spaces with the existing architecture while creating an inviting centerpiece for family life.
Cooking and Gathering Drive the Kitchen Design
The homeowners envisioned the kitchen as a culinary workspace and a social retreat. Their two standout requests – a central island and a fireplace – reflected their desire for warmth and connection. These elements became focal points, redefining the kitchen as the heart of the home.
The placement of the fireplace was carefully considered to align with a supporting structural beam in and special venting was designed to accommodate the roofline of the addition.
The pass-through was an existing architectural feature, but the clients wanted to enhance its purpose. By aligning it with artwork in the family room and balancing it with the window on the opposite wall, the design creates a symmetry that subtly draws the eye while connecting the spaces.
Color and Materials
According to Bravo, the design embraces a blend of farmhouse charm and mid-century modern refinement. The palette contrasts deep black cabinetry with warm walnut tones, creating a rich, textured interplay that feels both contemporary and grounded. Every material was chosen to age gracefully and complement the home’s character. This project marked the designer’s first pairing of black and walnut; “It’s a testament to the power of stepping outside the comfort zone to achieve something truly unique,” she said.
“The beauty of this kitchen lies in its layered details. Whether it’s the fireplace anchoring the space, the interplay of textures and finishes, or the symmetry of sightlines, every element contributes to a design that feels effortlessly cohesive,” said Bravo. “It’s a space that surprises and delights from every angle, proving that functionality and artistry can coexist.”
Designer Margarita Bravo described the existing kitchen as “functional, but far from inspiring.”
Sources
Design: Margarita Bravo, MARGARITA BRAVO; Photography: Tahvory Bunting; Cabinets & Inserts: Tharp Cabinets; Cabinet Hardware: Alno; Cooktop: Wolf; Countertops: Della Terra; Dishwasher: Miele; Faucets: California Faucets; Lighting: Arteriors Home; Microwave, Wall Ovens: Monogram; Paint: Sherwin-Williams; Refrigerator: JennAir; Sinks: Rohl; Tile: Bedrosians & Sonoma Tile Makers; Vent Hood, Wine Cooler: Zephr
