Kitchen Design by Ron and Abby Smith

The Entertainers
Known for casual entertaining, Ron and Abby Smith, proprietors of Quorum Design and Construct, which specializes in modern kitchen design, set out to create a kitchen for themselves that caters to their style. Suffice it to say, the clients were pleased.

Overview: Ron and Abby Smith’s contemporary and Italian-influenced kitchen is warm, open, and, above all else, functional. “I’ve designed a lot of kitchens, but this is a combination of the best space and best amenities I’ve ever had—it really fits our lifestyle,” Abby says. “There’s a nice division between the sink, prep, and serving areas, especially with the ovens and dishwashers on the other side of the wall.”

Details: Sleek absolute black granite countertops divide the work areas of the kitchen from the eating areas, which feature warm, pumpkin-colored Okite countertops in varying heights. Cabinets, made to the Smiths’ specifications by local cabinetmaker Neal Seidner of Livingwerks, are made of diagonally or riff cut white oak, so the grain follows the curve of the pieces. The center of the island is actually a piece of glass on its side, supporting upper cabinets, which appear to float. Beyond, the 36-inch Wolf range has a glass backsplash. The result is a seamless space with clear views of the outside and the adjoining living area. Aluminum framed glass doors complete the picture, filled with the Smiths’ collection of glass accessories and serving pieces.

Ideas to Steal: Engineered from quartz, the durable Italian-made Okite (pronounced “okeetah”) countertops look fresh, feel substantial, and are impervious to stains and scratches. Geometrically shaped, the custom low-profile stainless vent hood allows unobstructed views of the kitchen, adjoining the space and outside.

Abby wanted a unique lighting option for the island, so the couple installed three commercial pendants over the space. The Smiths’ favorite new appliance is a Miele Steamer, located across from the ovens. They use it to prepare healthful and fresh-tasting cuisine such as vegetables and chicken.

SOURCES

Design: Abby and Ron Smith, Quorum Design and Construct

Cabinets: Neal Seidner, Livingwerks

Flooring: Builder’s Carpet and Design Center Inc.

Counters: Okite distributor, Houston

Glass: Fashion Glass & Mirror Ltd.

Lighting: Hossley Lighting Associates (to the trade)

Vent Hood: Seal Tex

Faucet: TKO Associates (to the trade)

Appliances: Capital Distributing