East Meets West When Designing in the Kitchen

HISTORICAL OVERVIEW:

There is not a clear historical background to this style preference. It is more an emerging appreciation for the simplicity of Pacific Rim environments. In traditional Japanese design and its many interpretations, what designers admire are the retrained architecture and interiors focusing on presenting uncluttered elegance, which is rare in the global design world. Over the centuries, the Japanese have developed a unique objects placed in interiors so they can be individually enjoyed and highly valued.

"The simplicity of Pacific Rim environments seems to be based on the ethic of creating beautiful things without getting caught up in disparage materialism that oftentimes surrounds creative acts," says Leonard Koran, the author of Wabi-Sabi - for Artists, Designers, Poets and Philosophers. In the rooms inspired by Asian design, beautiful craftsmanship, simplicity of shape and juxtaposition and resulting interplay between honest, dissimilar, natural materials are at the heart of the design. The style is pared down, not cold but soothing, not empty but uncluttered.

CABINETRY/MILLWORK: Straight-grained, simple doors with wood graining direction being either horizontal or vertical, or a combination of both. Cabinets are used to create unusual asymmetrical or angled shapes within the space. Oak, maple, cherry, re-cut or reconstituted veneers, and Western cedar are all appropriate in natural finishes. Oftentimes, a darker wood is combined with a lighter wood to create horizontal linear interest by the interplay of woods, rather than stacked or elaborate moldings. A combination of open shelves and enclosed storage is appropriate to maintain the light, airy sense of a Japanese environment.

HARDWARE: Either as unobtrusive as possible or a major element in the space, or a combination of both. Matte finished hardware predominates.

COUNTERTOPS: Matte finished surfaces, such as concrete, stainless steel, granite, soapstone and wood are often used. The backsplash area may accent the overall horizontal line introduced in this design. Oversized, thicker counters and changes in counter heights are appropriate. Glass tiles for the backsplash are appropriate in this setting.

COLORS: Natural colors (from the forest, sky, or seaside) are all appropriate. A strong use of textured surfaces is typically seen opposed to combinations of colors.

SURFACES:

• Floors: Concrete, wood or natural stone floors predominate
• Walls: Textured faux finished walls, wood paneled walls (consider graining horizontally) or crisp, simply finished walls. Horizontal window designs are appropriate. Views to the outside garden greatly enhance a room inspired by the Pacific Rim.
• Ceilings: Simple, classic ceilings. A rustic beam ceiling also would be appropriate in this type of environment.

ACCENTS: Stainless steel is an excellent accent material. Little ornamentation. Retro/Mid-Century Modern furniture works well.