Bay Area architect Ken Linsteadt is widely known (and sought after) in Marin County for his finely detailed, light-filled houses, many of which embody the Belgian modern aesthetic. For this Mill Valley residence, Linsteadt—who worked for Philip Johnson and SOM early in his career—and owner Sarah Brinkman shared their kitchen sourcebook.
Photos by John Merkl.
Above: "We tried to create harmonious proportions in the kitchen by balancing the three main work/living areas," Lindsteadt says. "The island in the center is the same length as both the stainless inset wall (seen at left) and the breakfast alcove."
Above: Linsteadt commissioned a local carpenter to create a wall of stainless-steel-sheathed cabinetry surrounding the Wolf range. "I wanted the cabinetry and the range to feel integrated, creating one large appliance wall," Linsteadt says. "The key is to wrap the stainless steel from the backsplash to the ceiling area as well as the inset walls surrounding the range."
Above: Lindsteadt specified the Elkay Ella Pot Filler; available from Amazon for $269.
Above: The stainless-steel Notched Cylindrical Knob is 1.25 inches in diameter; contact Mockett for pricing.
Above: The Rod Pull in stainless steel; lengths begin at 6 5/16 inches; contact Mockett for pricing.
Above: Linsteadt balanced the stainless steel appliance wall with an elegantly proportioned island clad in reclaimed oak. The concrete floors are stained in Winter Beige from Chromix and coated with a high gloss finish.
Above L: The island base is built from reclaimed white oak, sourced from Restoration Timber, and the island countertop (above R) is matte black honed granite, which combines the stain-resistant properties of granite with the aesthetic appeal of slate.
Above: The Arwa Twin Kitchen Faucet; $720 from Water Ways Decorative Plumbing.
Above: The Prandina Work S3 Pendant is 9.5 inches in diameter; $885 at Unica Home.
Above: The classic Mid-Century Studio Stool by Tolix is $245 from Sundance.
Above: For the island drawers, Brinkman selected the 6-inch-long Door Pull in satin chrome from Mockett.
Above: The breakfast table features a thin concrete slab top; the wrap-around benches are covered in mocha linen and warmed with block-dyed Deco Pillows from Les Indiennes (sourced from Mill Valley's Summer House). For a similar mirror, consider the 12-inch-square Mirror with Tiled Edge from Oly.
Above: For the walls and trim, Brinkman chose Benjamin Moore's White Chocolate paint.
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