Designer: Ken Schaefer of Right Angle KitchensGeneral contractor: Krueger ConstructionLocation: Arlington, MassachusettsSize: 250 square feet (23 square meters)Homeowners’ request: “The homeowners are artists, painters, architects, and travelers,” says designer Ken Schaefer. “Being creatives in their own professions, we followed their lead making suggestions on details. They had seen the white kitchen fail in the way of durability and style and wanted something functionally different.”Cabinet paint color: The light green-blue color is Aloe from Medallion Cabinetry. “The homeowners chose the Vermont Verde antique green marble stone countertops first and made most of their color selections based on this,” Schaefer says. “The lighter green vein of the marble is complemented by the light green-blue tone of the paint. Brass and black finishes were our recommendation to warm up the room without distracting from the real show stopper: that marble! If bright white cabinetry was used in this kitchen, it would have created too much contrast between the stone and cabinets and been a distraction. White cabinets would not have held up to the rigors of someone who really loves to cook.”Other special features: Glass-front cabinets display collectibles. “The location of the range in the island allows for social culinary gatherings,” Schaefer says.Designer tips: “Maximize storage and countertops first,” Schaefer says. “You can always layer pretty colors and textures secondarily. Decor is tertiary but never forgotten. We always have that in the back of our minds as we lay out a space. Also, do not be afraid of color. We know it can be hard to balance all the colors in a space, but if you work with the right adviser it will be worth it. And choose your countertop and cabinet color simultaneously. There are always undertones in paint and even countertops.”
