Blue and White Mural Kitchen

A blue and white mural on the walls and ceiling is the pièce de résistance in this opulent guesthouse.

We all have favorite rooms that stay in our minds, the ones we’re always happy to run across again.  I was reminded of a favorite kitchen while reading Jane’s recent post Delft Tile Kitchen Style.  Her article’s first picture [below] prodded me to find my file on this amazing Napa Valley guesthouse kitchen.  What lucky guests!  San Francisco artist Michael Dute based his blue and white mural design for the barrel vault ceiling mural on classic Swedish rococo interiors.  The homeowner was so pleased, she asked him to continue his work down the wall, creating a dramatic and airy space.

The blue and white colors are repeated above the Calacatta marble counters and range in the Middle Eastern tiles – most likely Tunisian, according to the designer.  Backless upper shelf cabinets allow the tiled wall to be seen as it continues to the ceiling.  It’s a simple design element that makes this kitchen even more special.  A farmhouse sink was placed under casement windows to provide garden views. Since most meals take place at the main house only a refrigerator drawer is provided.

In the center of the kitchen is a chestnut island based on an old French table.  The custom hood incases a Vent-a-Hood liner and was painted by Dute with a landscape scene that includes deer.  The kitchen and living room can be separated by closing a pair of glass paned wood pocket doors.

Layered lighting bathes the space in ambience.  Illumination inside the cabinets and the ceiling cove lighting creates a glow. If a kitchen can be romantic, this one certainly is.

(Sources: Erin Martin Design, House Beautiful, Leong Architects)

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