Balinese frames were cut and installed at the top of the cabinets as an intricate crown. Then we back lit the crown using gels that made the ceiling aglow with fire. The same effect we achieved by painting the interior of the hood flanked cabinets rust red with copper wire mesh face and interior lighting.

Concrete counter slabs were poured using fragments of copper pieces that floated to the surface while curing. The edge banding is also copper that allowed us to mount the various pieces together. The under-counter lights help to reflect the subtle glow of these bits of copper.

Using a combination of copper dusted cabinets, rust tinted cement, opal and copper tiles, warm lighting and reflective glass backsplash, all came from the inspiration of adding light and warmth in a part of the house that needed light.

What was a small kitchen lit only with fluorescent, was expanded to include natural light from two ends of the house. All materials were selected for their reflective qualities.

Original oak cabinets were stripped and stained with ebony pigments. The center panels were then dusted with copper and clear coated. The ebony stain remained in the recessed areas offering an antiquated look to the over-all cabinet design.

We used a back splash material made of fragmented automobile glass by Ellen Blakely. She backs the glass with various reflective papers and cracks are filled with copper grout. The effect is stunning when afternoon light moves across the walls.

The openness of the kitchen allows for the family room to be part of the kitchen, and preparing food, a central activity. By opening up the end wall to the dining room, the span of space created, promotes an easy living area and the heart of the home.