French Country Charm

Elegant yet comfortable, open yet inviting, detailed but not overdone are key words describing this kitchen in Bridgewater, NJ.  The clients, a couple with two children, entertain frequently and wanted the kitchen in their new home to be a workable area where they could prepare food while accommodating guests, says designer Susanita Levy, CKD for Royal Cabinet.  "They wanted the decor to flow seamlessly with that of the rest of their house," she explains.  "Designing with decorative elements was a must, but the key was trying to maintain the look without being fussy or overdone."

Levy gave the family a large island that could handle food preparation and seating, and designed a separate wet bar within the kitchen area that enables guests to circulate without obscuring the main work/food prep area.

Royal Cabinet is renowned for its beautifully worked, custom-manufactured cabinets.  Perimeter cabinets are made from Lyptus wood, "a special hybrid that grows to maturity in 18 years," says Paul McDonald of Royal Cabinet Company.  "No old growth rain forest is cut, and the wood strikingly resembles mahogany."  The portal leading into the kitchen is lined with matching Lyptus wainscot panels and trimmed to match the cabinets.

Levy brought in plenty of little decorative touches to enhance the French Country style.  The arched doorways are echoed in the open-radius design used over the sink and appliances and on the hood, which also includes overlays and corbels.  The hutch area features wire mesh doors and bun feet.  Both the island and wet bar offer curved ends with corner corbels, and the we bar is also embellished with decorative glass.

Appliances include two Sub-Zero refrigerators, double wall ovens, a steam oven, a range top, two dishwashers, the main farmhouse sink, and two additional sinks located in the kitchen island and the adjacent butler's pantry respectively.  Countertops feature Santa Cecelia honed granite. 

The resulting kitchen is spacious and functional yet warm and cozy enough to be a gathering spot for friends and fmaily.