Best Kitchen DesignPRODUCT DESIGN
Interior Designer
After years of ownership, the client set out to completely reimagine their penthouse at the Monaco Beach Club—beginning with the kitchen. Once a closed-off galley, the space was opened up by removing dividing walls, unveiling an expansive layout centered around a dramatic 12-foot quartzite island with waterfall edges. Designed as both a showpiece and a gathering hub, the island features a built-in microwave, double trash cabinet, oak-paneled dishwasher, large sink, and generous storage.
Rift-cut oak cabinetry in a slim-shaker style flows seamlessly into wide-plank oak flooring, infusing the kitchen with warmth. In contrast, sleek jet-black shelving and a Black Ice leather-finish countertop wrap the perimeter. Rising from this base is a fluted porcelain backsplash in a complementary wood tone, guiding the eye to a custom range hood.
Structural updates amplified the kitchen’s openness. The dropped ceiling was raised, eliminating soffits and allowing for taller upper cabinets. Along the back wall, three full-height pantries with smooth-glide pullouts enhance organization while maintaining a streamlined appearance. The refrigerator sits adjacent, preserving the visual rhythm of natural oak tones.
A standout challenge involved two immovable pipe chases, which the designer transformed into focal points. One, located within the island, became an elegant wine display with floating black shelves and a sleek rack. The second, next to the range, was clad in oak and accented with black shelving, blending seamlessly into the design.
With every detail meticulously considered, the result is a kitchen that’s both inviting and highly functional—a perfect fusion of craftsmanship, innovation, and coastal sophistication.