THE SERENE SUSTAINABLE KITCHEN
Mukilteo, WA

Simplicity and sustainability were key goals in this kitchen remodel overlooking the Mukilteo waterfront. The slab-front cabinets eschew fussy detailing for a calm, streamlined look that’s also easy to clean – and they’re made from environmentally certified sustainable maple hardwoods. The island countertop is made from oak butcher block, while the perimeter countertop is PaperStone – a unique, locally made product made from post-consumer recycled paper and cardboard containers pressed into a heavy-duty composite surface using resin made from industrial by-products that would otherwise go into the waste stream. The new induction cooktop also contributes to the kitchen’s sustainability, replacing a previous gas cooktop and powered by new rooftop solar panels.

The kitchen’s simple, streamlined look extends to the backsplash. Our client didn’t want the backsplash to be busy or distracting, so we selected a soft bluish-gray porcelain tile reminiscent of cloudy skies. By using oversized 24-inch by 48-inch tiles, we kept grout lines to a bare minimum.

Another significant change was to eliminate a powder room and replace it with a new walk-in pantry. Not only was the old powder room directly adjacent to the kitchen’s dining area, it also featured an outdated curved glass-block wall. The lack of privacy meant the homeowner and guests alike avoided using the space, opting instead for a nearby hall bathroom. The new pantry gets much more use, with room for food storage and small appliances as well as a dedicated area for brooms, mops, and a step stool.

Interior Design: Cathy Niese Briskorn as lead designer for Albee Interior Design LLC
Contractor: Tom Gilmore