An open kitchen that respects everyone's space
A renovation with a double challenge: visual spaciousness and real functionality
When Karen decided to renovate her townhouse in La Campana, she had a clear idea: she wanted an open-plan kitchen to create a more spacious living space and make the common area larger, brighter, and more functional.
But there was an obvious challenge: access to the bedrooms had to be maintained through the kitchen. And her elderly mother lived with her, so circulation and comfort were a priority.
How do we solve the project?
Our goal was to transform that limitation into a design opportunity.
- We take advantage of the descent of the stairs to create an extra storage area. We even included a wine cellar to provide aesthetic continuity and reinforce that, visually, everything remained part of the kitchen.
- The fireplace became the natural separating element between the living room and the kitchen area, without the need for walls or visual barriers.
- We designed a fluid distribution that would allow easy passage between spaces, paying special attention to passage widths with a long-term view: even if a wheelchair were needed, circulation would be comfortable.
Materials and finishes that unify
We wanted a kitchen with character, but one that wouldn't disrupt the harmony of the open space. Therefore, the choice of materials was key:
- Doors in 19mm laminate in three colors: off-white, anthracite and synchronized oak with natural texture.
- Hardware Blum with soft-close system, for a smooth and silent closing.
- Golas, handles and baseboards in black, providing a graphic touch that contrasts without being strident.
- LED lighting under tall furniture (temperature 3000K) for a warm and functional light.
- Household appliances Balay, guaranteeing reliability and aesthetics.
- Ceiling hood with an external roof motor (PANDO), to maintain extraction power without adding noise to the interior.
- Worktop in EQUS Bianco quartz: durable, practical and easy to maintain.
A kitchen designed for living together
The end result wasn't just a beautiful kitchen. It was a space that met the needs of circulation, storage, and living.
One of the greatest achievements was the integration with the living room and dining roomTo achieve this, we attached a to the island dining table made of the same material as the columns, thus creating a visual continuity that gives meaning to the entire environment.
Furthermore, we had to work with particularly high ceilings. Hence the decision to include a motorized extraction system in the canopy to ensure performance and silence.
The experience with Karen: design and real accompaniment
Throughout the entire process, Karen particularly appreciated our holistic approach: we didn't design the kitchen in isolation, but in harmony with the living and dining areas. In fact, we also helped her define the living room furniture to ensure a cohesive feel.
Our advice wasn't just technical: it was also emotional. We supported him through every decision, giving him the peace of mind that all the spaces would work together.
Details that make a difference: thinking about today and the future
Living with his mother was a decisive factor: we designed every step and every area of the kitchen with accessibility, safety, and comfort in mind. Because it's not just about designing a beautiful kitchen, it's about designing a livable kitchen.
Yann and Fran's vision of this project
"The challenge was obvious: limited space and the need to avoid intruding into the living room. We worked closely with Karen to ensure that her kitchen wouldn't be a barrier to the rest of the house, but rather a solution that would complement it."
"It was very easy to fall into the temptation of creating a huge island to make the kitchen stand out more. But here, the important thing was that each area had its place and function without detracting from daily life."
