Dark kitchens work best when light spills through windows and cabinets contrast with walls and flooring.
Leave it to designer and antiques dealer Richard Shapiro to take a roofless surf shack on Malibu’s Broad Beach and turn it into an illusion of a centuries old crumbling villa. Although a black kitchen may not appeal to everyone, you have to admit this one exudes elegance. The kitchen is the black tie to the home’s evening gown. A simple, yet handsome space with a basalt waterfall island anchors one end of the living room. The volcanic stone was also used on the opposite counter and large backsplash wall. The black matte lacquer cabinets compliment it so well, it looks as if they were also fashioned from the stone. A custom linen covered sofa occupying the alcove is paired with a vintage Pace waterfall table and 1960′s Danish wicker chair.
The dining area is comprised of a Tense table, a pair of rattan chairs and modern bench beneath 18th century inlaid panels. Steel windows open to the view of the Pacific. I can’t stop looking at the lime and horsehair plaster walls. Be sure not to miss the rough wood kitchen ceiling beam (still sporting bark) or the deliberately chipped floor tiles. Textures and imperfections coupled with a reserved mix of styles are seamlessly linked in this masculine space.
Love the kitchen – wonder if every watersplash shows…