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The new kitchen of Deborah Kalkstein
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In the heart of Washington, a kitchen for the whole family

| Designbest editorial staff

W

hat is the new kitchen of the owner of a designer furniture store like? We are in Georgetown, Washington’s oldest neighborhood, where in 1751, the cornerstone of the future capital of the United States of America was laid. Here, along the Potomac River, which runs alongside the city, live Deborah Kalkstein, husband Carlos Bachrach and their two children. Deborah's designer furniture store is not far from here, in a typical Washington neighbourhood with narrow streets and smart homes. This area is also extremely popular with students of nearby Georgetown University. The name of the store is far from being unclear: Contemporaria.

 

Kitchen and breakfast table with Vitra stools and Hermann Miller chairs
Hermann Miller Eames Chair

The new breakfast space opens onto Deborah Kalkstein’s kitchen, owner of Contemporaria, designer furniture store in Washington.
La padrona di casa Deborah Kalkstein

Born in a family of architects in Lima, Deborah studied architecture in her home country and in Milan, where she met her husband.

Before moving to Washington, she had overseen the interior design of the largest interior design store of Lima, a fundamental experience, which led her to open her store in the States. 
A floating counter in the middle of the kitchen
Kitchen Cesar

The burnt oak wall-to-ceiling cabinets on one side leave centre stage to the matt white central pieces (Kitchen by Cesar). 
Sitting floating counter with Hal Vitra stools
Vitra Stool Hal collection

Central island with bar stools (Vitra), ideal for breakfast and quick meals. 
The table in raw wood and Carrara marble designed by Paola Navone

Table with unrefined timber frame and Carrara marble top designed by Paola Navone.

 

In this home, family life revolves around the kitchen; this room brings everyone together. Here, refined aesthetics and functionality blend seamlessly together and this makes for a striking example of good design. Large cement-colour tiles, chosen to stand constant wear and tear by the couple's children and dog, enhance the neutral decor of the room. And on both sides of the kitchen: on one wall we have appliances and furniture (fridge and wine cellar by Gaggenau) and on the other we have dark steel panels, which double up as a magnetic board for displaying notes, pictures and whatever is needed. In the centre of the room, a white cooking space with sizzling pots; this is the focal point of the kitchen. 

 

The kitchen by Cesar with satin finish white laquered
the kitchen before

The kitchen before the renovation. Bright colour for the floor, monotone furnishings.
The new kitchen

The space was converted completely with a radically different concept.

 

The kitchen is the heart of the home for Deborah and Carlos, therefore renovating the kitchen was a crucial step. Every detail shows the couple’s idea of aesthetics and functionality. Finally, the Bachrach family can enjoy their new sociable central "quad”; this is the place for sharing what matters in life. 

 

image

Design project

Kitchen and dining space renovation

Location: Washington, DC, USA
Client: Deborah Kalkstein and Carlos Bachrach

Interior design: architect Deborah Kalkstein
Furniture: Contemporaria, 3303 Cady’s Alley, Washington, DC 20007
Tel: 00 1 202 338 0193
Email: georgetown@contemporaria.com

www.contemporaria.com

Photos: Credits Stacy Zarin Goldberg 2015

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