PROJECT FEATURE

Robert Dobbs, CKD, CBD
SieMatic New York

SieMatic Proves Less is More in Urban Pied-à-terre

Kitchen by SieMatic New York creates the illusion of more space while sleek S2 cabinets amp up efficiency

When a Brazilian couple had the chance to move their New York City pied-à-terre a few stories higher in the same building, it meant leaving behind their prized SieMatic kitchen. So, they took the first step to recreating the kitchen they loved. They contacted Robert Dobbs, CKD, CBD, at SieMatic New York to design them another one.

Typical of most urban apartments, the space allocated for the kitchen was very small, with minimal wiggle room. To combat this challenge, the clients asked Dobbs to give it the illusion of more space, plus improve upon the available storage. Dobbs delivered on this request, and he also achieved the couple’s vision, which was to create an elegant, yet warm kitchen atmosphere. The sleek, sophisticated, and uncluttered result, which recently placed in the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA)’s 2015 Design Competition’s small kitchen category, proves less really is more.

“The overall goal was to make the kitchen appear larger and more open, while keeping the perimeter walls intact,” says Dobbs, who explains the cramped space wasn’t the only challenge he faced. He elaborates that the room also had a large column running through one corner, plus a nook for a washer/dryer combo that needed to remain intact. “The washer/dryer area was concealed by unsightly bi-fold doors with visible piano hinges, and wing walls that made the space feel confined,” Dobbs says.

This is where Dobbs began. He cleared the space of the two wing walls at the entrance and placed the washer/dryer behind closed doors. By specifying the SieMatic S2 line of handle-free cabinetry in a rich truffle gloss finish for the kitchen, he created a clean, simple, and linear look. The handle-free washer/dryer doors replaced an eyesore while enhancing the kitchen’s overall streamlined appearance. Next, he lowered the cabinetry from the ceiling for additional “air space” to give the kitchen a more spacious feel.

For the upper cabinets, Dobbs selected a horizontal wood grain. This choice achieved the designer’s goal of adding texture, while enhancing the linear appearance and visually expanding the space. The overhead cabinets now also feature upward opening “batwing” doors, which injects the illusion of height to the design. Moreover, Dobbs incorporated ultra-thin countertops (measuring ½-inch) for a less bulky feel than countertops with standard thickness. The thin countertop also helps emphasize the linear simplicity of the new design.

For the most efficient use of the space, Dobbs replaced a traditional range with a built-in cooktop and combination microwave/convection oven. Though small, the oven is just large enough for baking, but eliminates the need for an extra microwave. To further emphasize his intended “lighter-than-air” feel, Dobbs incorporated floating corner shelves with square LED lights and included a hood with a glass canopy that virtually disappears from sight.

Dobbs and the SieMatic New York team essentially transformed the small, inefficient kitchen, making the most—both functionally and stylistically—out of every square inch. Moreover, despite its diminutive size, Dobbs was able to make intelligent modifications for an elegant design statement that squeezes every ounce of function out of the kitchen.

Currently available in over 62 countries on five continents, SieMatic is an industry leader in the high-end kitchen segment with unyielding commitment to innovative engineering and manufacturing excellence. The company philosophy of complementing a lifestyle, not just offering a product, makes it unique in the industry. From manufacturing plant to showroom floor, SieMatic’s commitment to providing its customers with “the premium lifestyle they deserve” makes the SieMatic brand name synonymous with unparalleled luxury.

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For more information, contact:

Holly Berecz
Duehr and Associates, LLC
1902 Wright Place, Suite 200
Carlsbad, CA 92008-6583
Phone: 760.918.5622
Fax: 760.918.5505
holly@duehrandassociates.com

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