Design
integrity is a term that designers use to describe continuity in a
project. In a kitchen, it means that design elements follow a single
style or color scheme, determined by the focal appliance, countertop
material or cabinet style. To maintain integrity, the focal point
should lend its shape and color to accents, such as door handles,
breakfast-bar shapes and coordinating paint tones.
When
a Portlock couple approached Homeworks Construction Inc. to remodel
their home's kitchen, they already had a focal point in mind: Viking
appliances. Marshall Hickox, of Homeworks Construction, says that
Viking appliances are often asked for by name. The commercial-grade
appliances are designed to fit into residential specifications. The
homeowners' only remaining decision was between Viking's strong-looking
Professional Series or the curvy Designer Series. The soft, stylish
curves won out.
Al
Lum, of Viking Range, says, "Viking is the only high-end appliance
manufacturer that provides a full line of appliances, so all the
kitchen appliances will coordinate. The Designer Series was conceived
five years ago to create a more contemporary, softer look than the
Professional Series. It includes everything from refrigeration to
ventilation to cooking appliances."
Not
only does the Designer Series create a modern, sophisticated kitchen,
it also offers high-tech features for family-style kitchens, says
Hickox. The homeowners chose four main appliances to make their new
kitchen highly functional.
The
Designer Series refrigerator, a side-by-side refrigerator/freezer that
is built into the cabinetry, has all the bells and whistles. Separately
adjustable meat and produce drawers keep food in these compartments at
optimal moisture and temperature levels. Electronic controls maintain
temperature within 1 degree of the setting. A multi-channel airflow
system brings clean air in and sucks stale air out to keep the
refrigerator at its freshest.
The
Designer Series wall oven includes the TruConvect Convection Cooking
system. This system is a Viking exclusive that uses air circulation
over a hidden bake element to evenly bake dishes in an
extra-large-capacity oven. The wall microwave features 13 sensor
settings and keeps food warm longer after cooking than traditional
microwaves. The dishwasher is sound insulated for whisper-quiet
after-dinner cleanup.
The
only departure from the Designer Series is the Professional Series
cooktop. "Because we chose a cooktop rather than a range, we wanted to
beef it up," says Hickox. To do this, they installed a continuous metal
grate that provides a large cooking area. Added features of this
cooktop are sealed gas burners, which allow for precise temperature
control and easy cleanup.
With
the appliances in place, the rest of the kitchen came together. "We
wanted everything to tie in nicely. We used the Viking elements simply,
without overstating the stainless steel and curves," says Hickox. For
example, Homeworks Construction framed the Shaker-style cabinets with
rounded molding. The cabinets' stainless steel handles also have a
slight bow to mimic the curvature of the Viking handles.
Another
example is the breakfast bar, which features a long curve of Wild West
green granite. Flecks of silver and grey accent the green granite. A
round, stainless steel post holds up the bar.
Now
that the remodeling is finished, the design integrity is apparent. "It
is the continuity factor that brings it all together," Lum says.
| GK SUPPLIERS |
Architect/Designer/Contractor: Homeworks Construction Inc.
Bar top: Wild West green granite, from Bella Pietra, A Natural Stone Design Center
Cabinetry: Wellborn, from Homeworks Construction Inc.
Cooktop: Viking Professional Series, 36," gas 6-burner, from Viking Range
Dishwasher: Viking Designer Series, 24," Premium, Viking Range
Disposal: Insinkerator, from Ferguson
Faucet: Grohe Lady Lux Plus, stainless steel, from Ferguson
Lower Countertop: Nova Gold limestone honed, from Bella Pietra, A Natural Stone Design Center
Microwave: Viking Designer Series, from Viking Range
Oven: Viking Designer Series, 30," from Viking Range
Pot Rack: Viking, from Viking Range
Refrigerator/Freezer: Viking Designer Series, 42," side-by-side, from Viking Range
Vent: Viking Designer Series, from Viking Range
Wet Bar: Wild West green granite, from Bella Pietra, A Natural Stone Design Center
Wine chiller: GE Profile, from Servco Home and Appliance Showroom |
