Columbus Monthly / July 2010 / The art of cooking

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The art of cooking

A modern dwelling is well equipped with an open kitchen featuring views that go on for miles.

Nestled on the edge of a hill high in a picturesque Granville neighborhood, two homeowners built their dream house, featuring an exterior which resembles that of a red barn.

Inside, though, is a modern abode with a welcoming kitchen, perfect for either a large party or an intimate dinner for this family of four. To be clear, this is no small kitchen. It’s a grand space with breathtaking views that stretch miles into the distance on a clear afternoon. Tall, 20-foot windows line the exterior walls of the room while wire lighting installed above provides the illusion of a ceiling without closing off the large open space.

The owners of this three-year-old home contracted with architect Mark Clapsadle from the beginning, working with Ryan’s Renovations to complete the new construction. “We both like to entertain, so [we wanted] something open,” explains the lady of the house. “We also never mind making cooking part of the process.” As if to emphasize that point, during a recent visit, the man of the house was preparing vanilla mousse with a raspberry topping for a dinner party that evening. Julia Child’s The Art of French Cooking was open on the counter in front of him.

Clapsadle requests that clients browse home design magazines and books to identify elements of style that they prefer to begin the process. “My idea for this kitchen—and the entire house—was to make it warm contemporary,” he explains. The couple knew immediately they wanted plenty of counter and cupboard space, as well as an open flow from the kitchen to the family room. Upon completion, the spaces blend flawlessly with each other.

The design of the kitchen itself is simple but intentional. The homeowners worked with Clapsadle to design two long islands—one for prep and one for clean-up—that accommodate built-in sinks, ample counter space and, in one, a state-of-the-art oven. A peninsula is used for serving and seating children during dinners and parties. Countertops are granite, supplied by Marble and Granite Works in Plain City. With all of the counter space, the family certainly doesn’t run out of room very often. “We never wonder where to put groceries,” says the lady of the house.

The two kitchen islands have their own Blancoprecis double sinks, created of a granite composite material. The homeowners say the sinks are beneficial because a quick rinse will hide food remnants until further cleaning is possible. Faucets are by Kohler. In the clean-up area, a stainless steel KitchenAid dishwasher matches the décor of the room.

The stove, located on the rear interior wall, is from BlueStar, and it is the hottest unit available in residential settings. The couple enjoys hosting parties and cooking, so they knew they wanted a top-of-the-line system. “We knew we wanted a hood with a deep cavity. We make stuff that’s really smoky,” explains the man of the house, who spent hours researching the perfect fit for the kitchen. He adds that the stove is conducive to cooking food that requires extremely high heat, such as Cajun dishes.

The tall, sleek cabinets are by Kraftmaid and were purchased from Preferred Building Supply in Newark. Flooring is carbonized bamboo, which syncs well with poplar trim used throughout the home.

Ample storage also is found in the walk-in pantry, the doorway of which is bordered on both sides by wall-to-ceiling shelving that holds countless cookbooks for easy reference. Inside the pantry, there is shelving throughout, as well as additional cupboard and counter space. The microwave also is housed here.

One of the most noticeable features of the room is the wire lighting strung in a zigzag pattern above the main kitchen space. “It’s a big open space, but with the lighting, it feels like there’s not 20 feet of space above your head,” says Clapsadle. Light fixtures are a product of Hampton Bay, found at Home Depot.

Clapsadle and the homeowners agree that they took their time designing the perfect kitchen for this house. “We didn’t look at this 24/7. I’d design something, they would look at it. . . . We weren’t in a hurry. I knew a lot about what they wanted upfront, so nothing was last minute,” explains Clapsadle.

When the entire home was finally completed, the homeowners hosted a holiday party shortly after moving in. Clapsadle’s detailing, though, was not done. The couple observed him walking around to all the electrical outlets with a screwdriver in hand to line up the screw heads. “I needed to make sure the details were right,” he explains. “I was here almost every day for 52 weeks. This one required focus.”

Taylor Swope is an assistant editor for Columbus Monthly.