This classic English scullery-inspired kitchen was built for a therapist in Portland after her children encouraged her to remodel the kitchen and adjacent breakfast room that had been in place for decades. 

Inspiration: As with all of his kitchen projects, Michael sought to ground the kitchen in history while also making it feel fresh and modern. He was inspired by this elegant 1920s era NE Portland English-style home—and also by Downton Abbey! The concept of an English-influenced design manifests in the color scheme (black countertops, white beadboard-style cabinetry, "royal blue" tile), period reproduction pulls and lighting, and a British-made farm sink by Shaws (distributor in the US is Rohl). Refined lines and modern functionality bring it up to the present.

Constraints and solutions: The kitchen was a challenge as it is small and there is an office at one end and a breakfast room and dining area off the other—not to mention that the owner also wanted a double oven. To make the most of the space but still allow the kitchen to feel light and uncluttered, Michael worked with a U-shape, placing the cooktop out of the circulation passageway, and the double-oven within the wall of cabinetry but close enough to the granite countertop for placement of hot dishes. Floor to ceiling cabinetry on one side contains clutter (and also small appliances, such as the microwave). Large windows and a new door to the yard brighten the space and enhances the indoor-outdoor flow, as well as the connection between kitchen and breakfast room. A full wall of tile injects a boost of color and defines the space. Rev-a-shelf inserts provide easy access to awkward lower corner cabinets; and maximize storage and function.

Materials: Tile is by Heath Ceramics—opal blue. Cabinetry is custom-designed by the architect; countertops are Absolute Black honed granite; lighting and cabinetry pulls by Rejuvenation. Kohler faucet.

All photos by: Anna M. Campbell, www.annamcampbell.com