Kitchen of the Week: An East Village Cook Space That Defies “One-Word Summaries”

In 1902, when the East Village condominium constructing Onyx Court docket was constructed, kitchens weren’t considered because the hearts of the house. So a compact cook dinner area was tucked into the again nook of every unit, removed from the social areas and the pure mild. However within the 120 years for the reason that six-story construction’s inception, the kitchen has turn into an epicenter of home life—which is what GRT Architects had in thoughts once they gut-renovated one of many residences.

The New York Metropolis-based agency wished to reimagine the ground plan of the 1,100-square-foot abode for up to date residing whereas sustaining its turn-of-the-century spirit. That meant relocating the kitchen to the alternative finish, by an east-facing window, however holding it partially separated from the eating and residing areas. A completely open format would’ve felt too fashionable.

When it got here to the aesthetics, GRT sought to transcend eras and tendencies. “It was a really pure exploration of what supplies look fascinating collectively, which surfaces ought to disappear, which must be actually pronounced,” says co-founding associate Rustam Mehta. “I nonetheless don’t have a one-word abstract for what the look of this kitchen is. And I like that. It’s acquired its personal factor occurring.”

With heat white oak cabinetry—a few of which is suspended from the ceiling—and three kinds of geometric tiles, the inviting, playful kitchen combines components of mid-century fashionable design with twists on Artwork Deco particulars and hints of Scandinavian minimalism, leading to a timeless vibe all its personal.