A Kitchen Flourishes as a Stunning Display of Modern Simplicity

Like many island homes, this one had to evolve to meet the needs and desires of the family that lived in it. And since this residence is more than 100 years old, it’s taken several projects over the years to expand, update and restore it.  

Before Photo: The previous kitchen renovation included structural modifications, such as a raised ceiling, repositioned windows and a widened doorway. It had a traditional and warm design that was reflective of the times. Photo: Macario

The previous kitchen renovation, in particular, addressed many issues, such as inadequate storage, ventilation and workflow, and created a traditional looking space with custom cherry wood cabinets, granite counters, a built-in banquette, and new layout and windows that capture the charming garden view.  

It worked for the owners back then, but time eventually came for a shift in style. They reached out to Roxanne Okazaki of Lifestyle Design Studio — who completed the last renovation — to give their kitchen a refresh. 

Now, the modern-style kitchen focuses on functionality and simplicity — with useful storage behind well-crafted cabinetry, top-of-the-line appliances and long-lasting materials. Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino 

They loved everything before, they just wanted it updated, shares Okazaki, noting that while the layout remained the same, everything else was replaced, including the cabinets, appliances and surfaces. 

The new look is a blend of modern and Japanese-inspired design — creating a balance of simplicity and practicality with a nod to nature. “I love that it is as functional as it is beautiful,” says the homeowner.  

The cabinetry is the highlight of the space, with wood sourced from one tree found in Japan and manufactured by Premier Custom-Built Cabinetry. “The wood is very special,” says the homeowner. It has a custom door style called mizuki, which is inspired by Japan’s Tansu chests and based on the Japanese design principles of simplicity and minimalism. It has balance and rhythm, adds Okazaki, and lends a more Asian feel to the space. 

Inspired by Calacatta gold marble, Dekton’s Entzo of the Natural Collection was selected for the countertops and backsplash because of its design and low-maintenance care. Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Dekton, a durable sintered stone, was used for the countertops and backsplash. “I wanted something permanent,” shares the homeowner. Minimal upkeep and attractive products were important in material selection. For the floors, they didn’t want to deal with the constant maintenance of cleaning grout lines, so they went with luxury vinyl planks. 

Taking the lessons they’ve learned through the years, the homeowners put an emphasis on functionality and storage. There are pullout drawers and double inserts to increase space. The owners loved the original Wolf range they had, so it was replaced with the latest model and surrounded by better appliances to match. Now, there’s a Sub-Zero refrigerator and Wolf convection steam oven. 

The built-in banquette was reupholstered in a style that went with the overall design aesthetic and featured the homeowner’s favorite color: purple. The tabletop was custom made by Grothouse Lumber and the painting above was commissioned to match the space. Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Along with the same layout, the built-in banquette remained but was reupholstered. A bright purple and floral theme is evident here, continuing the Asian aesthetic. The homeowners commissioned an artist to create custom artwork to echo that theme, located above the banquette. 

Custom upper cabinets and floating shelves took the place of cherry wood upper cabinets with open display shelves for a clean, simplified look. Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino 

The owners are pleased with their latest renovation and say it’s a reflection of what they’ve loved from past projects, combined with their current tastes. Together, they’ve created the ideal kitchen for their family. “What I’ve learned is design is really important,” says the homeowner. “The designer is the one who can have all these ideas to make your kitchen or whatever space you want to be functional and beautiful — you want the balance.”  

Where To Get It

Appliances: Sub-Zero 48-inch Classic Side-by-Side Refrigerator/Freezer with Dispenser in stainless steel, Wolf 36-inch Dual Fuel Range Four Burners and Infrared Griddle, Wolf 24-inch E-Series Transitional Convection Steam Oven, from Riggs Distributing; Miele Fully-integrated, Full-size Dishwasher in stainless steel 

Backsplash: Dekton Entzo Natural Collection, from Cosentino 

Banquette Table: Custom wood tabletop in Peruvian walnut edge grain and durata finish in satin, from Grothouse Lumber 

Banquette Upholstery: JF Fabrics Antigua Sunbrella Acrylic Pattern for the back and Kravet Denali Texture Pattern with teflon treatment added, from Interior Accents 

Cabinetry: Premier Custom-Built Cabinetry Frameless Hardrock Maple 
in Japanese ash with maple drawers and mizuki door style, from Lifestyle Design Studio 

Countertop: Dekton Entzo Natural Collection, from Cosentino 

Faucet: Hansgrohe Allegro E Gourmet Prep Kitchen Faucet, Two-Spray Pull-Down in steel optic, from Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery 

Flooring: Paradigm Flooring Vinyl Plank Flooring in salt lake 

Hardware: Alno Arch Pull and Spherical Knob in satin nickel 

Lighting Fixtures: Hubbardton Forge Fullered Impressions Mini Pendant in bronze/opal glass and Oval Ondrian Sconce in bronze/opal glass, from Lighting Concepts and Design 

Sink: Kohler Undertone Preserve Undermount Sink in stainless steel, from Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery