City Brownstone

Rachel Portnoy worked with designer Manuel de Santaren to take advantage of every square inch of space in her brownstone apartment and mix a comfortable style with more formal elements.

Filed under: Kitchens

This highly functional kitchen uses a soft palette accented with shots of intense color from artwork and upholstery.

Rachael Portnoy wanted a bright, open and highly functional kitchen for her family in her urban brownstone apartment. Joan Kohn tours the inviting, well-thought out space.

: The large stainless cooktop has burners, a griddle, heat lamps and a hard-working warming drawer. Double wall ovens are also stainless.
: A dark wood dining table with high-back upholstered chairs adds a touch of formality to the casual, open space.

The open space consists of the kitchen work area, the dining area, an office nook and family seating area that can be closed off with pocket doors.
A large granite-topped island is the room’s focal point. The dual-level island accommodates a double-bowl sink, two dishwashers and provides ample storage. Its cabinetry is a soft green that complements the colors in the adjacent family seating area and contrasts with the off-white cabinets used in the rest of the kitchen.
Raised panel maple cabinets in a creamy white line both sides of the kitchen. Double stack upper cabinets extend all the way to the ceiling, topped with elaborate dentil molding that adds an elegant touch to the space.
The cream-colored Italian tile splash adds texture and interest without introducing a new color. The simplicity of the color palette keeps the kitchen from feeling too busy.
Three large glass and steel pendant lights over the island add an interesting, commercial touch to the space.