Bespoke Style
Known for luxurious European-style and transitional kitchen and bathroom designs , Flashman Design Inc ., with a showroom at The Hive shopping center in Laguna Canyon , realizes that off-the-shelf models will not appeal to everyone ’ s vision . Whether a client ’ s taste in cabinetry is traditional wood , minimalistic Craftsman or a modern aesthetic with a highgloss or matte finish , owner and designer Andrew Flashman can work closely with clients to help “ guide their tastes ” and design quality cabinetry for any room in the home .
These designs by Claudia Morales show that white can be anything but boring ( above ), but all-blue , monochromatic kitchens ( bottom ) are also trending .
HOME & DESIGN SPECIAL SECTION
alternatives to elegant-but-porous marble ; they offer a durable , heatresistant surface and come in a variety of finishes that complement any style . Natural quartzite is another option that ’ s both beautiful and practical .
For village cottages that are tight on square footage , clever storage ( see larder mentioned above ) and efficient use of counter space are of prime importance . Laughton points to sink basins with integrated covers and chopping blocks , so home chefs can literally prep on top of the sink , then simply scrape any food scraps into a pullout waste bin . Appliances like refrigerators and stoves also come in 24-inch designs that are less obtrusive .
In larger kitchens , a center island with high-top stools has replaced the traditional dining room table as the setting for family meals . For a cozier or more architectural feel , Flashman suggests a curved banquette built into the back of the island for seating , opposite a stylish table and chairs . For smaller cottages with no space for an island , consider a corner banquette with a bistro-style table . backsplash provided some counterbalance .
Worried that a dark color will close in a small kitchen ? “ Not necessarily ,” Morales says . “ It all depends on what is happening around that room . What really makes a space feel small is when you start separating it with different colors .” So , if you ’ re willing to go monochromatic , don ’ t rule this color out , but don ’ t make the leap without consulting a kitchen designer first .
Flashman , who ’ s also incorporated high-gloss blue and red lacquer cabinets in his contemporary layouts , echoes that uniformity is key when it comes to color , which allows accents of opposing colors : “ This is calming and appealing to the eye ,” he explains .
Overall , when it comes to design , Flashman says this : “ The whole world is so eclectic today — almost anything goes .” But some of the most important details that can make or break a room lay in that “ almost .” Finding an expert eye that can help you piece it all together is the best first step in designing your dream kitchen . /
MOODY BLUES When it comes to their kitchens , most homeowners play it safe , Morales says . “ They ’ re worried about resale value — they don ’ t want something that ’ s too out there ,” she notes . But Morales has a different perspective : “ It ’ s about quality of life . You have to feel good in your home now .”
One “ risk ” she does see clients taking is the trending allblue kitchen . “ I ’ m seeing blue kitchens all over the place — in all shades ,” she says . The fad has given her an opportunity to come close to executing her dream project — designing a black kitchen — with a client who went for a deeper hue that Morales suggested . “ It ’ s almost blue-black and has a very moody feel ,” explains Morales , noting that a lighter countertop and silvery
TOP : ANDREW BRAMASCO ; BOTTOM : MELISSA DIMEGLIO
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