Harmony in a Zen Kitchen

By Rose Kennedy

Zen concerns itself with all aspects of harmony, so it's only fitting that designer Jessica Kalina helped her clients coordinate lavish materials and economical elements when she created a Zen-style haven in their spacious Chicago kitchen. A third-generation designer, Jessica worked with her mother, Linda Perlman, on this harmonious design, and their talents balance as well. "My mother began in the custom home-building business 25 years ago," Jessica says. "She works for my company now, more with the interior design part whereas I am more of the technical and kitchen and bath side of the business."

Jessica shared lessons learned in this design's challenges and balancing act. At the core of the challenge: "The clients said, 'Zen.' They wanted the whole place to feel calm and relaxed," she says. "But with the tall ceilings and large space, there was a risk that the place would look cold. I used lots of blue for tranquility but balanced it with tall cabinets the color of bird's-eye maple to create a spacious and warm feel."