Words by Michelle Heslop. Photography by Jody Beck.
Perched on a rocky outcrop at Ten Mile Point, the custom design by Todd Martin of Knot-in-a-Box opens up to the wide expanse of ocean beyond and connects to the beach below via a natural descent of boulders. Inspiration for this build by Peter Robilliard Construction emerged organically from the sweeping views and the owners’ passion for natural materials and minimalist modern design. Masterful millwork by Eric Gummer of Thomas Philips Woodworking has a grounding effect in the airy open-plan that finds harmony in its warm and cool elements.
“When I met with interior designer, Sandy Nygaard, she emphasized that the homeowners were looking for clean-lined millwork and cabinetry with integrated handles, a push latch system, and high-quality drawer slides,” says Gummer, who chose grain-matched walnut with birch interiors and ultra-matte white cabinetry for a fresh modern aesthetic with a timeless appeal. It was important to the homeowners that the kitchen finishes work together to complement the home’s natural surroundings without competing with the views.
“Top grade walnut has stood the test of time through many eras so I knew it would be a striking and durable choice paired with the matte white acrylic cabinets,” states Gummer. Clean lines of wood, tile, and glass are all given equal play on the main floor with horizontal grain-matched walnut and matte white cabinets playing a starring role in the open plan. The eleven-degree slant on some of the oceanfront windows allow a deeper connection to the expanse of ocean beyond.
Originally designed to be clad in walnut, the hood vent was recast in white once they discovered that the walnut paired with the fir beam was too visually weighty. The matte white vent disappears against the full height backsplash while the marble’s grey veining picks up on tones from the large format flooring tile in “Metropolis Grey.”
The multipurpose island capitalizes on the views from all angles and punctuates the space with a white quartz waterfall countertop, prep sink, ample storage with custom inserts, and comfortable seating for three. The sleek pantry wall with an oven and warming drawer borders the fridge in flawless alignment, a fine woodworking detail Gummer has become known for. A built-in bar niche with walnut buffet and floating shelves enjoys easy access from its central locale.
The home’s angular glazed facade and the fine craftsmanship by the team at Thomas Philips Woodworking achieve visual and architectural interest that sets this West Coast contemporary home apart with its unique design that promises to capture the panoramic ocean views.
