AIRE LIBRE - MODERN ZEN

Location: Scottsdale

Style: Modern Zen

Our Aire Libre project transformed from a dark outdated kitchen into a beautiful modern zen kitchen. Before, the cabinets were oak with green laminate countertops. Our client was looking for something more modern to match their style. To update the space, we replaced all the cabinets, countertops, & backsplash. Since the floors ran through out the house, our client decided to leave them as is. We kept this in mind when selecting finishes for the kitchen to make sure everything tied together.

For the cabinetry, we used a light colored TFL on the perimeter and painted blue cabinetry with flat panel doors for the island. To meet our client’s storage needs, we used a variety of 2, 3, and 4 drawer banks on the perimeter. We also added a beverage fridge for easy access to drinks. Our client opted for no upper cabinets on the wall next to the refrigerator, so we used floating shelves instead. Adding pucks to the shelving allowed us to highlight the backsplash and create task lighting. A unique feature of this kitchen is the opening above the refrigerator. Typically, we would put doors on this cabinet, but our client wanted a place to display items could be out of the way yet still a focal point.

For the island, our client picked a light blue color that creates a spa like feel when combined with the warm wood toned perimeter cabinets. The cooktop originally faced the other direction, but our client requested we flip it around so they could look out to the pool while cooking. The storage in the island in minimal but functional. It holds 2 drawer banks which are perfect for housing items such as spices, cooking utensils, or hot pads. Pots & pans can easily be stored in the large cabinet underneath the cooktop. 

To tie in the existing Saltillo floors our client selected a warm toned marble backsplash. We used two different shapes – a picket on the wall with the floating shelves & a subway on the other walls. This helps to add more dimension and interest to the floating shelves. For hardware, we went with a sleek black pull on the perimeter base, fun half-moon pulls on the uppers, & acrylic pulls with a touch of gold for the island.

Overall, this space looks dramatically different than it did before. The new kitchen feels much more open with light finishes throughout. The marble backsplash and flat panel cabinetry gives this space an elevated, modern feel and the blue island pulls in a zen, calming effect.