Good Character

From casual meals to big holidays, precious family memories are made in the kitchen, so when this family built a new home in rural New Jersey, they wanted their kitchen to reflect that. Eric Abeshaus, who works in the solar panel industry, and his wife Ruth, a publishing professional turned stay-at-home mom, asked Ian Cairl for a comfortable, cozy place for the kids to do homework while mom makes dinner, which would also be appropriate for entertaining large groups comfortably. An open plan with soft seating, and a classic design statement interpreted for a super-bold look, fit the bill. Focal points include the Calcutta Gold marble tile wall, slab countertops and white cabinetry set off by espresso-stained wide-plank oak flooring. In high-contrast white, the oversize turned legs on the island appear almost cartoon-like in their heft. In stainless steel, the custom, seven-foot wide range hood and Sub-Zero refrigerator also knock down the formality of the space. Softening wooden touches include open Eucalyptus shelves and a wood-topped trestle table for chopping and cleanup. Vases and the red knobs of the Wolf add punches of color.