Natural textures and materials abound in Emily and Brian Lowe’s family-centric Mount Lebanon kitchen. The focal point of a 1936-built home designed by famed architect Thomas Garman, the remodeled space hosts a bevy of high-end appliances complemented by wood and stone accents. “The original kitchen was really pretty but very dark and a smaller space, so our vision was to open it up,” Emily says. “We bumped out five feet and took out the entire wall between the kitchen and dining room. We expanded the opening between the kitchen and foyer, and expanded the back hallway on the other side of the kitchen.”
Stylish elements add character
Interior designer Natalia Dragunova, of Notion LLC, helped reimagine the aesthetics—inside the 5,500-square-foot structure—and opted for a more transitional style.
“The homeowners wanted it to be updated a little bit more—bright and airy, but still keeping with the neighborhood, which was sort of traditional,” Natalia says. “We played with the textures and kept everything clean and crisp but inviting.”
Quartzite countertops, which boast the appearance of marble but the durability of granite, mix with solid maple and walnut cabinets. Stone, copper and warm wood features provided contrasts to the sheen of the appliances (some hidden, others exposed).
The Sub-Zero appliances include the 24-inch refrigerator and freezer columns, the 18-inch wine storage unit, the 30-inch refrigerator/freezer drawer, the 24-inch under-counter refrigerator, and the 15-inch under-counter ice machine. There is a Wolf 60-inch gas range, a 30-inch M Series professional built-in oven, and a 30-inch M Series professional microwave oven; as well as a Miele built-in coffee system and a Bosch 24-inch Benchmark Series dishwasher.
“Brian put a lot of thought into all of the appliances, in terms of usability and how they fit into the design, and did a ton of research,” Emily says.
A plethora of impressive features
The Lowes admit that it is hard to pick their favorite features in the new kitchen. They point to the built-in commercial pizza oven above the range, the range top grill that is perfect for weekend pancakes and eggs, and the high-top island where the children often do homework or art projects.
Other amenities such as the double dishwashers, the pullout cabinet drawers, latte maker and the hidden mixer in the island help to make cooking and cleanup a breeze. While the custom range hood, the round dining table by Zach Wockenfuss, and the fireplace, which was previously a stack behind one of the walls that was removed and cut into a fireplace shape, bring charming character to the space.
“I also love the lighting. I’ve always wanted it to sparkle a little but still be welcoming and comfortable and the toe kick lighting at night is really pretty and calming. I have a separate area for baking, which I love. The pizza oven is always fun for the kids when having friends over,” Emily says. “We just wanted it to be someplace the kids could be that was more connected to the rest of the house—brighter and welcoming.”
Appliances:
Sub-Zero 24” Designer Refrigerator and Freezer Columns (IC-24R/ IC-24FI); Sub-Zero 18” Wine Storage (IW-18); Sub-Zero 30” Designer Refrigerator/Freezer Drawer (ID-30C); Sub-Zero 24” Under Counter Refrigerator (UC-24R); Sub-Zero 15” Under Counter Ice Machine (UC-15IP); Wolf 60” Gas Range (GR606DG); Wolf 30” M Series Professional Built-In Oven (SO30PM/S/ PH); Wolf 30” M Series Professional Microwave Oven (MDD30PM/S/PH); Miele Built-In Coffee System (CVA 6805); Bosch 24” Benchmark Series Dishwasher (SHV8PT53UC).