Dream Kitchens

The Rainbow Bend Residence

Architect: The Alter Studio

Kevin Alter and his team at the award-winning Alter Studio executed a stunning remodel of this Central Austin home with sweeping views of the Capitol. The kitchen became the most dynamic room in the house with multiple light sources and connection to many different spaces. It was a two year project. The kitchen countertops are made of honed absolute black granite with bright yellow Heath tile as the backsplash. Alter says: “We wanted to take an unremarkable home and reorganize it to take advantage of the stunning view latent in the property. We were also interested in the juxtaposition of a dynamic, modern interior with a more traditional shell — and how a collection of interior rooms could be transformed into multifaceted spaces that connect to each other and to the out-of-doors.” Photographs by Casey Dunn.

To see more of Alter’s work, visit alterstudio.net.

The Entertainer’s Kitchen

Homeowner: Donna Stockton Hicks
ARCHITECT: Matt Garcia

As architect Matt Garcia and Donna Stockton Hicks planned the kitchen design for this new-build modern home in Central Austin, creating a large space that could accommodate the fundraisers and dinner parties Stockton o!en hosts was key. Minimalist materials and finishes result in a clean and modern look that fits in seamlessly with the rest of the home. Garcia explains: “Everything is basically hidden behind a panel to disappear into the cabinetry.” This sleek look is achieved with an exclusive Italian cabinet line called Varenna by Poliform, which is available at Scott + Cooner. The cabinets are a mix of a light-gray finish (Ghiaccio) and walnut bases. The counters and backsplash are Caesarstone Blizzard, and the range is a Wolf. All the cabinetry has integrated finger pulls and doesn’t require hardware or knobs. Now, this is less is more at its best! Photograph by Molly Winters.

To see more of Garcia’s work, visit mattgarciadesign.com.

Sophisticated Boho in Travis Heights

Designer: Shannon Eddings
Architect: Stuart Sampley

In collaboration with architect Stuart Sampley, interior designer Shannon Eddings designed this dream kitchen over a year-long renovation. “We wanted to create a space that was sophisticated and cohesive while being fun and unique,” Eddings says. “My clients are a laid-back family with a great aesthetic that leaned a little boho, soI wanted to pay homage to that with the colors and finishes while maintaining a timeless space that they would not tire of quickly. They also love to entertain and cook, so the kitchen had to be very functional and spacious.” Eddings incorporated two paint colors and two countertops (Carrera marble and butcher block) for an unexpected yet cohesive combination. The designer is an expert in sourcing antique Turkish Oushaks and found one just right for the kitchen. The white fan-shape tile backsplash was found at Clay Imports, and the knobs and kitchen pendants are from Schoolhouse Electric. Photographs by Molly Winters.

To see more of Eddings’ work, visit shannoneddings.com.

Loft-Like in Clarksville

Architect: Element 5 Architecture

This renovated home in Clarksville was modeled a!er a lo! that the English homeowner, Sharon Miller, once lived in in London, with the idea that she could cook, entertain, and have fires in one room. Richard Hughes of Element 5 Architecture helped bring her vision to life. In the kitchen, maple and stainless-steel cabinet fronts and custom-made floating shelves are lit up with LED lighting that Miller saw used at a cozy bar in New York City’s Gramercy Park neighborhood. The industrial look Miller and Hughes were a!er was solidified with the exposed brick wall, which is ironically called English Pub. Hughes worked to maintain the small scale found throughout Clarksville while making the home more convenient by adding a second-floor work studio and an attic guest room. Miller says: “I love the open beamthat really create a sense of warmth and sturdiness. The Edwardian cast-iron fireplace surround wasfound in a London salvage yard and shipped over… It makes me feel connected to home. It’s wonderful to work in the studio surrounded by trees even though I’m in the heart of Austin.” Photograph by Andrea Calo.

To see more of Element 5 Architecture’s work, visit element5architecture.com.

_{Read more from the Interiors Issue | January 2018}