One Specific Detail in This Sun-Filled Kitchen Was Inspired by Monet's Kitchen in Giverny, France

The Editors

Wed, October 26, 2022 at 1:04 AM UTC

2 min read

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When a client decided they needed a kitchen “Betty Crocker would have if she were alive today,” they called upon West Hollywood, California-based interior designer Karen Harautuneian of Hub of the House to make their dreams come true.

Harautuneian took the directive to heart. She’d designed the family’s original kitchen years prior, which was much smaller in size. “I had been limited by the existing architectural shell of the room,” explains the designer.

No more, though. Here, she and the client added 500 square feet—thanks to a full architectural remodel—to create an “expansive and bright” dream kitchen with a white oak-clad walk-in pantry, luxe coffee center, and cozy banquette seating.

“The client wanted a new open kitchen to entertain,” says Harautuneian. “They consistently host large parties, family events, and also host Shabbat every Friday. It was essential to design a kitchen where the homeowner was able to prepare meals while still being able to entertain and interact with her guests—and have all of her platters easily accessible in her dish pantry.”

The designer honored the 1936 Tudor-style home in Beverly Hills by aiming for “simplicity,” she says. Think handmade tilework inspired by Claude Monet’s kitchen in Giverny, France, white oak countertops and white oak herringbone flooring, brass hardware and fixtures, and custom inset cabinetry.

“The new design allows the clients to entertain with ease in their new space; store and display their beautiful serving pieces; and easily make a morning cup of coffee and relax in their banquette with views of their beautiful backyard,” says Harautuneian.

Above: Custom white cabinetry by Dutch Made added extra storage, while rift cut white oak countertops by Hart & Toth Cabinet Co. keeps the design from leaning too stark. The counter stools are by Serena & Lily.

Sink

New windows allow sunlight to leak in from the backyard. The integrated marble sink and drainboard is by Hart & Toth Cabinet Co., and the plumbing fixtures are by Waterstone Faucets.

Range

An unlacquered brass hood by Modern-Aire Ventilating, Inc. lends dimension to the design. A baby blue Lacanche range makes for easy entertaining.

Pantry

The handmade tile in the pantry—by Hart & Toth Cabinet Co.—is inspired by Monet’s kitchen in Giverny. The brass cabinet hardware is by Hart & Toth Cabinet Co., too.