Text by: Tiffany Carboni

Once a busy candy factory, this downtown San Antonio building erected in 1926 is now dedicated to stylish loft living. The developer fell so hard for the building that when she turned it into condominiums, she took the fifth and sixth floors for her and her family.

Architect Patrick Ousey of FAB Architecture in Austin, TX was hired to turn the two floors into artful living space. More specifically, he was tasked with creating a wonderfully white backdrop for the client’s vast art collection.

And the kitchen is no exception. “The request for the kitchen,” explains Ousey, “was to create a minimalist, quiet and reserved space. The homeowner wanted the architecture to stand up, while at the same time stand back to allow her collection to be the main focus.”

The FAB team did this by wrapping the windowless kitchen in sleek, white Verenna cabinetry by Poliform. Pure white Corian countertops sit atop the perimeter cabinets offering long stretches of continuous workspace. In addition, the freestanding island, made of white terrazzo mixed with a custom blend of white glass and white marble chips, adds bountiful space for the family’s frequent entertaining. Classic Bertoia barstools by Knoll surround the island allowing guests to be part of the kitchen action.

Though the room has no windows, it opens to aneast-facing, light-filled lounge area. During the day, sun pours in and reflects off the sparkling terrazzo for an impressive effect. Recessed lights, vintage Fun 1 pendants by Verner Panton and undercabinet lighting provide the right ambiance no matter the occasion or time of day.

To adhere to the client’s requests that included adjectives like, “restrained” and “cautious in detailing,” Ousey selected white epoxy floors to match the white walls and ceiling. The ceiling’s artistic form craftily covers the building’s mechanical systems eliminating the industrial look and feel often associated with modern lofts. “Again, we didn’t want to take attention away from the art,” notes Ousey.

The stainless steel appliances include a Sub Zero refrigerator and Miele dishwasher, both of which are integrated for a seamless look, while the Dacor oven and cook top offer functionality and smart, modern aesthetics.

“This kitchen is the complete opposite to the homeowner’s previous lifestyle,” explains Ousey. “"She had lived in many different homes over her life. But when she walked into this loft, with this kitchen, she told us she was finally home.”