minimalist-long-narrow-paris-kitchen-with-indoor-outdoor-dining-areas-by-philippe-harden

Start typing to search...

“The architect-client relationship is like a short-term marriage, so choose someone you genuinely like and feel compatible with,” we wrote in our book Remodelista, A Manual for the Considered Home. When successful, we might have added, one thing may lead to another. Such was the case for architect Philip Harden, who, after designing two Paris apartments for a couple with two kids, was reenlisted when the family moved on to a house. Located in a historic development in the chic, western Paris suburb of Vaucresson, the early 1900s stucco structure came with an oddball recent side extension—“long, narrow, and lacking communication with the rest of the house,” says Harden. Previously used as a dining room, he transformed this problem area into a tightly orchestrated ensemble—a skinny kitchen plus three dedicated spaces for eating and gathering—that has become among the most lived-in of the family’s new quarters. They may even decide to stay put for a while.

Photography courtesy of Philippe Harden.

harden labels his projects by letter—this one is house v—and says 17 — Above: Harden labels his projects by letter—this one is House V—and says of his approach: “My interventions are in a minimalist spirit while remaining warm through the use of natural materials. My concern is always to adapt the subject to its context and history, and to create the right proportions.”

In this case the extension (scroll down to see the floor plan and a Before shot) was integrated into the flow of the living floor by creating a series of fluid spaces: The long, 215-square-foot kitchen has an eating nook with a yellow banquette at one end and a dining room (open to the living room) at the other, all with new windows. And just outside the glass door shown here is a new terrace with a picnic table. As with all Harden designs, this one is defined by clean geometric shapes, an adept use of positive and negative space, and jolts of rich color.

custom oak veneered cabinets have recessed pulls that make the eight centimeter 18 — Above: Custom oak-veneered cabinets have recessed pulls that make the eight-centimeter-thick counter appear to float. It’s hard-wearing Corian, which Harden selected, for “a monolithic look that’s easy to clean.” (See Remodeling 101: Corian Countertops (and the New Corian Look-Alikes).

The windows are Gamme Bois, a wood-framed design by Leul, and have metal Railway knobs from French hardware company Brionne. The matte white ceiling spotlights are Spina Elbow Base GU10 LEDs from TAL.