Design schemes can often revolve around a specific feature or palette, but in the case of this Tacoma, Washington kitchen remodel by John Michael Kitchens, there were two points of reference. The kitchen’s glam, black and white checkerboard flooring and the homeowners’ black specialty range, which also features stainless steel and gold elements.

To give the homeowners the luxurious yet cohesive look they were looking for, Senior Designer, Kaylee Neal and her team went with the company’s Alta-style cabinetry—which tends to infuse spaces with a touch of glamour—showcasing a black inset highlighted with gold hardware. “Since our cabinets feature our signature metal trim, it was the perfect way to pull in the range and its black and gold features,” explains Neal. The clients themselves suggested two True Residential 30” units (a refrigerator and a freezer), which became a focal point for the design. “They loved the design aesthetic of True’s units. They’re very beautiful appliances—your eye goes straight towards the units when you’re looking into the kitchen,” she continues. The gorgeous views of Commencement Bay don’t hurt either.

The kitchen, which is decked out in black, white, gold, brass, and stainless steel—is as striking as they come. But it’s the functionality that goes along with it that really sets it apart. CEO and co-founder of John Michael Studio, Michael Sloan states “We originally started as a manufacturer of indoor kitchens, but about five years ago, we began expanding into the broader interior space. That’s when we realized, ‘Metal has a place here.’ It’s something fresh and innovative, and it’s built to last for generations. Designers are always drawn to what’s new and different, but not all new ideas are truly compelling. What we offer is something that’s not only unique but also incredibly attractive, with exceptional durability—a quality we share with True. You could place one of our kitchens atop a mountain in Colorado, and it would stand up to the elements, just as beautifully as it does indoors,” says Sloan.

“When we discovered True, we were thrilled,” continues Sloan. “I’ve been in the business for a long time, but when we partnered with them in 2017, one of the most exciting aspects was how their undercounter products seamlessly work for both indoor and outdoor environments. You don’t have to choose between an outdoor or indoor product—their designs are built to withstand both. This aligned perfectly with how we run our business, offering something that can be used indoors or outdoors, which is a great selling point for us. Whenever someone sees one of our kitchens, they’re always amazed and say, ‘Wow, I’ve never seen anything like that.’ Then we tell them, ‘We can build it for the outdoors too,’ and you can literally watch their minds be blown.”

Neal adds, “Most of the time, clients tend to choose more traditional cabinetry styles. But I’ve never seen our cabinetry used in a setting quite like this before—I love how it looks in a design that breaks away from the norm. It really works in this context.”