“The design challenge is simple,” was the statement from one of the owners of this 9,000-square-foot home, making the project's criteria quite clear, “I want an organic-shaped kitchen – no hard angles and minimal overhead cabinets so views of the outside and interior living areas won't be obstructed.

This clear mission of the 450 square foot kitchen was derived from the owners' own love for and training in botany. It was imperative to them that their 5 million dollar home reflect that knowledge and their personal commitment to the beauty, colors, and shapes found in nature. They spend considerable time traveling the world to research and educate cities in the creation of their own botanical gardens. So, when it came time to build their dream home, nature was the most influential design element. The elements of asymmetry, organic shapes, natural materials, and warm colors were key to the design of this kitchen, helping to bring nature in all of its varied splendor indoors.”

The designers started with the layout of the cabinetry to provide a gentle curve around the perimeter of the kitchen, eliminating visual corners. A free-formed, organic-shaped island with a dropped soffit above that mimics the shape of the island below was designed as a focal point in the center of the kitchen. Overhead cabinetry was eliminated from the plan on the left side of the kitchen, so windows overlooking the four acres of landscaping a could be added, in keeping with the owners' wish that views be obstructed as little as possible. The use of textured lass in the overhead cabinets breaks up the weight of the wood, and the glass tile selected for the backsplash features warm brown and green tones to tie the wood's color and the elegant soft-green granite countertop together.

Hints of red add drama throughout the home to add visual interest – and in the kitchen, the use of practical yet striking red faux-silk wall covering around the soffit helps to accentuate the unusual shapes in the millwork and provides a welcome contrast that offsets the quietly elegant features of all the materials selected.