Contrast plays a vital role in every design project. The elements within the design need to play nicely off of each other, creating balance without clashing. Sometimes, these contrasts are subtle, like slightly different textures or materials. In other cases, like this incredible kitchen in Oakhurst, NJ, that was designed by Lauren Tobias, the contrast is bold and serves as the primary component of the design plan.
Light and dark play perfectly off of each other in this kitchen. That all starts with the Premier PR2 Range Hood that Lauren selected to anchor the space. With this custom hood from CopperSmith acting as the focal point, Lauren was able to bring in a number of other features to tie it all together in a cohesive and original package. Let’s dive into the details below to learn more about how this minimalist kitchen came out so perfectly.
The Power of Bold Contrast
Incorporating dark and light elements in the same room is the classic way to create contrast. This isn’t a subtle contrast tactic, and it doesn’t take a trained eye to spot it. The contrast used in the minimalist kitchen that Lauren designed for this project jumps right out as soon as you walk into the room.
There are dark elements, there are light elements, and there is virtually nothing in between. This is done intentionally, of course, and the strategy worked perfectly. In addition to the hood, which we will talk more about in a moment, other dark elements include the range top, the light fixtures hanging over the island, and even a soap dispenser next to the sink.
Those few dark components stand in stark contrast to the majority of the space, which is light in tone. The large island countertop, featuring a waterfall edge on one end, is a shade of white. So too are the cabinets, both lowers and uppers, as well as the panel that covers the front of the fridge. With plenty of light elements, the kitchen is bright and welcoming, while the dark pieces give it personality and a bit of mystery.
Industrial Elements Work Perfectly With Minimalism
The use of raw metal and large components is a calling card of industrial kitchen design. This style has become more and more popular in the residential setting, as homeowners pull inspiration from larger buildings and apply those concepts to their kitchen remodeling. While the idea of large pieces might seem to stand opposite of minimalism, these two are actually a perfect pair.
In minimalism, the goal is always to make sure that every piece has a job. If it isn’t needed, it isn’t used. So, it’s not a problem for large elements to be featured in the design, as long as there aren’t so many of them that the space looks crowded or cluttered. And this one certainly doesn’t. There aren’t too many elements here, so the ones that are used make a major impact.
The Premier PR2 Is an Ideal Fit
Perhaps the biggest compliment that can be given to any item within a design is to say that it looks like it was always meant to be there. When something looks natural, or “right at home” in a kitchen, it draws attention for all the right reasons.
When looking at the photos of this kitchen, it’s hard to see anything other than the Premier PR2 living in the space above the stove. To achieve her goal of adding an industrial range hood that contrasts the rest of the light tones in the room, Lauren ordered the hood with an Antique Brass finish and a Smooth texture. Taking it a step further, this custom order also has Brushed Stainless Steel straps with Antique Brass rivets.
It's the straps and rivets specifically that give the piece a strong industrial feel. That feel is furthered by the squared-off nature of the front of the hood. There are no soft edges or rounded corners here. Everything is bold, sharp, and direct. This is a great hood anyway, and it was elevated even further by the choices Lauren made when ordering it from CopperSmith.
Minimal Design is Highly Functional
Some people like minimal design mostly for the aesthetic, but it becomes even more appealing when you consider just how enjoyable this type of kitchen is to use. Looking at the pictures of the kitchen Lauren has created, it’s easy to imagine cooking in the space. There is nothing in the way of spreading out ingredients and tools to prepare a delicious meal for family and friends.
The lighting used in this kitchen should get some attention because of how well it works on both sides of the design equation. First, it’s highly functional, as it provides direct light onto the main work surface of the kitchen. Anyone working on the island will be able to see exactly what they are doing. At the same time, they are perfect from an aesthetic point of view. These fixtures play the role of one of the necessary dark components in the contrasting design, yet they are round. Those curves soften everything up a bit in a kitchen that has mostly straight lines from one end to the other.
A Great Design Made to Look Easy
From a distance, minimal design seems pretty easy. Just limit the number of components added to the space and the job is done, right? Not quite. Executing minimal design properly, while still creating a functional kitchen that serves the needs of a family, is a tricky art to master.
Lauren Tobias has obviously done a wonderful job of designing a modern minimal kitchen with industrial influences on this project, and the space is sure to be loved for many years ahead. As far as the hood that CopperSmith fashioned for the occasion, the homeowner had this simple, glowing review to share –
“Fantastic we love our custom range hood!”
What else needs to be said? The hood fits perfectly in the kitchen, and it plays a vital role in the design vision that Lauren had for the space. It’s a win all the way around!