Architect: Peter Harlan

Interior Design & Interior Architecture/Finishes: Lauren Goldberg Design

Photographer: Nils Timm

Proposing a more neutral white, black, and brass kitchen might inspire a certain amount of resistance for some—but when designer Lauren Goldberg is involved, all bets are on moving forward. “The original space was quite traditional,” explains Goldberg. “My clients wanted to modernize it with steel doors and windows, open and airy spaces, chic, new appliances, and lots of room to entertain.” 

And refresh she did, immediately opening up the California kitchen and creating jaw-dropping skylights that let the natural light and views of the neighboring palm trees flood in. Dated chevron floors, mustard-yellow walls, old-fashioned cabinetry, and butcher-block countertops were done away with and replaced with sparkling white walls, brass details throughout, inviting bleached oak floors with a warming gray tone, a marble waterfall island enhanced by an unlacquered brass faucet from Kallista, Nambia white countertop with a leather finish, and a beautiful backsplash. Pendant lights from Visual Comfort add illumination at night. Custom cabinetry by Hartmark rounds out the gorgeous affair while three Antique White and Brass True Residential units (two freezers and one glass door refrigerator) take pride of place—the brass detailing over them creates a dramatic focal point. 

“True units are made very well—they’re beautiful and they come with the added plus of being able to choose from specific finishes, and even custom colors, which is fantastic,” says Goldberg. “It makes designers’ lives much easier to have that flexibility in design, because that is not always the case and then you’re limited to stainless steel.” In fact, while not visible in the shot, the kitchen pantry is also outfitted with an additional undercounter refrigerator drawer, also in Antique White and Brass, and an ultra-chic bar which in the front features a 15” Clear Ice Machine and two 24” Undercounter Refrigerators in Antique White and Brass and 24” stainless steel Refrigerator Drawers and more in the back. The basement, meanwhile, features a fully decked-out lounge and gym, with two True 24” Undercounter units in Ultra Matte Black and Brass (far right corner). The end result? A light and airy modern abode with all the entertainment accoutrements within easy access.