Local designer Williams Adams offers insights for creating kitchens that become marvels of form and function.
We know every great party ends up in the kitchen, but what happens in this space the rest of the week is even more critical. “Creating a great kitchen design requires a thorough understanding of the homeowners’ needs and preferences,” says Bay Area designer William Adams, principal at William Adams Interior Architecture & Design (williamadamsdesign.com). Before a single backsplash tile is purchased, Adams, whose design aesthetic is contemporary with heavy use of earth tones and natural materials, says it’s essential to understand how a kitchen will be used throughout the day.
“Proper storage and organization of kitchen items are crucial to kitchen functionality,” says Adams. “Integrating simple and practical technologies, such as intuitive controls and hands-free features, can significantly enhance the cooking experience. Finishes that are easy to clean and maintain also can make a big difference in the overall satisfaction and use of the space.” Here are several recent projects from the designer that elicited hosannas from homeowners.
Project: Adams remodeled the kitchen to match the aesthetic of the original historic home.
Key Design Elements: The design team selected custom oak cabinetry to match the interior trim. Other standout features include European matt cabinetry, leather fronts and finishes, Wolf and Sub-Zero (subzero-wolf.com) appliances and made-to-order brass hardware from Ged Kennett (gedkennett.co.uk).
Project: A kitchen in a 1920s Tudor wasn’t connected to the rest of the home. The homeowners wanted to open up the space and add elements that reflected the home’s style with pops of color against a neutral background.
Key Design Elements: Adams’ team incorporated custom cabinetry, ceramic tiles with pops of color, and porcelain countertops for durability and ease of maintenance.
Project: Frustrated that their kitchen wasn’t functional and had little counter space, these homeowners asked Adams to open up a wall, add a center island for cooking and improve the space’s footprint.
Key Design Elements: The transformed kitchen includes an in-ceiling vented hood (to keep the space open and still functional), two-toned cabinetry in hues of walnut and sage, and an integrated wall for the pantry and tall-item storage.
Project: Adams says his team faced several engineering obstacles (ceiling heights, floor changes) for this project. The result is an open floor plan, allowing a family of four to be in the same room simultaneously
Key Design Elements: The kitchen’s notable elements include quartz countertops with beautiful veining to mimic natural marble, a 9-foot island to accommodate seating for guests, a built-in banquette breakfast nook, and a hidden appliance garage for items like the toaster oven and coffee maker.
Photography by: COURTESY OF WILLIAM ADAMS DESIGN
