Inside an 'East Coast Meets English-Inspired' Kitchen by Studio McGee That Proves if You Balance Proportions Well, You Don't Need to Follow Any Other Design Rules
Design rules may have been expertly broken, but scale remained a grounding factor throughout the kitchen
When faced with a sprawling kitchen, it can feel like best practice to fill walls with cabinetry to avoid a feeling of emptiness. But this design proves that a more restrained approach that prioritizes scale yields far more appealing, more elevated results.
In this Arizona home, just a short distance from the region's desert landscapes, renowned designer Shea McGee has transformed what could have easily felt like a cavernous room into an open-plan kitchen that proves balanced proportions are the foundation of a well-designed scheme.
Pair White Oak With Timeless Brass Accents
Oak cabinets are the source of warmth in this kitchen, with the stain doubling as a protective finish to help the surfaces thrive for longer.
Warmth and timelessness are at the heart of this kitchen design, where Shea McGee endeavoured to create a space that signalled 'updated traditional', with a blend of East Coast and English style. And the materials were the foundation.
'We knew we wanted to bring warmth and make the space feel cozy, even though the kitchen footprint is so large, so that led us to a full wood kitchen with brass accents,' says Shea McGee, of the classic material choice that grounds the room's large proportions.
'We used a one-step stain on it to keep it true to the original tone and warmth of white oak. We wanted to balance that with unlacquered brass plumbing, lighting, and hardware. We didn’t want any stark contrast against the wood, just added warmth!'
Balances Large Proportions
A small island would have felt as if it were floating in the space, so the extended width was key to a proportionate layout.
The large proportions meant a careful approach to the kitchen layout was crucial to its success, both functionally and aesthetically. The room has been designed with three distinct zones that each fulfill a different requirement.
Beneath the large window, the majority of appliances have been integrated into the cabinetry, creating a focused area for function without becoming a utilitarian eyesore. 'We knew we wanted the range centered to the island while allowing counter space on either side. That led the fridge/freezer to land on the opposite wall. It really was a domino effect,' Shea adds.
But perhaps most importantly, each feature was designed to feel balanced in the kitchen's large proportions. 'We had large walkways and clearances that felt appropriate for the scale of the home, so we went with a really large island that felt proportional to the space. This was also ideal for our client, who loves to host!'
Mix Open and Closed Storage to Break Up Built-Ins
Breaking up the built-in storage creates a more lived-in look to the design, while the charming plate rack makes grabbing plates a much easier endeavour.
It can be tempting to fill every wall and open space with cabinets in a large kitchen to avoid a sense of emptiness, but this design proves that a more considered approach is far more successful. In the central section of the kitchen, there are more drawers than cabinets to utilize deep storage effectively, flanking the fridge/freezer towers and the range.
Adding soffits above cabinets can be a controversial choice, but it gives the full-length cabinetry a sense of belonging in the tall room. 'With the architecture as it was designed, the towers on either side of the range felt like they were floating! We added wing walls to help the towers feel intentionally placed there and make them feel more grounded. We also added soffits above the fridge/freezer wall of cabinetry to complete the space and remove the possibility for a dust trap there,' Shea explains.
To break up the bulk of closed kitchen storage, she introduced open alternatives, such as shelving and a traditional plate rack, which doubles as a visual feature. 'We were concerned about this wall feeling completely solid in comparison to the other walls of the kitchen, which each had an open and cozy feel to them. We wanted this wall to feel layered and leave the options open for color and pattern to be brought in through collected vintage plates and styling pieces on the open shelving.'
Adapt a Kitchen Window into a Pass-Through
The window has become a striking focal point, doubling as a serving hutch for outdoor entertaining. Integrated appliances create a clean look without compromising on the functionality of the work zone.
Most people use the kitchen window as a pretty viewpoint from the sink, but Shea made it work far harder in this design, doubling as a pass-through window into the backyard, where the clients love to host al fresco.
To soften the full-width run of glass, unexpected curtains were introduced. 'We originally had a valence shade at this window, and adding a cafe curtain of sorts was a later change! There’s a desk next to the kitchen that has a pinboard that matches the fabric of the drapes, and we wanted that fabric to have more of an impact at the window,' says Shea.
'We also wanted a softer layer on the tiled walls, which the drapes brought! The drapery rod spans the full width of the sink wall, while the window does not, so the drapes can easily be pushed to each side, and they won’t interfere with the window’s function at all!'
Turn an Island into a Characterful Centerpiece
The freestanding island is clearly visible from the adjoining living space, so the more custom look prevents the two rooms from clashing in style.
Because the kitchen has abundant closed storage, the team could be more experimental with the island design. As the central hub of the kitchen, uninterrupted marble countertops function as the main prep surface, with shallow drawers beneath for utensils required within easy reach.
But the lack of need for appliances or cabinets below meant more fun could be had with the design and silhouette of the piece. 'We referenced a lot of vintage tables and turned leg styles for the island, which was the main jumping-off point for this kitchen design. Once we landed on the design for that, everything else fell into place,' she recalls.
'We were able to go with a large open shelf on the base of the kitchen island rather than adding more storage there! Our client loves collecting pieces, and we were able to highlight a lot of them on that shelf of the island!'
Quick Tips
Niches on either side of the range add much-needed storage without cluttering the countertops.
- Choose warm, timeless materials when designing a large kitchen
- Make sure the proportions of each feature feel balanced throughout the room
- Mix storage styles for a more layered and functional space
- Embrace architectural features and make them work harder
- Don't be afraid to oversize your island if the room's scale calls for it
A large kitchen doesn't always make the design process easier. Scale in interior design is a crucial consideration, especially in a kitchen with proportions as large as this one. Studio McGee's design proves with timeless materials, warm color palettes, and clearly defined zones, a vast space feels truly cozy.
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