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Collection by Emily Shapiro

Bright Kitchen Remodel Contrasts Bright White and Dark Wood

By adding natural light and circulation to Frederic and Sally Pla's existing kitchen, designer Sol Quintana Wagoner achieved a comfortable atmosphere ideal for entertaining house guests.

Well-traveled homeowners Frederic and Sally Pla knew they wanted their Encinitas, California space to be a reflection of their unique lifestyle and a spa-like retreat for their frequent houseguests. The couple, who live with their son and a giant golden doodle named Leo, chose to partner with Sol Quintana Wagoner, an Argentinian-born designer for Jackson Design and Remodeling, to help them remodel their existing kitchen. The collaboration resulted in an open-plan kitchen that incorporates the couple's worldly style style into a spacious, well-lit space. The kitchen’s new windows and glass doors reflect off white walls, countertops, and cabinetry, making light and circulation the main event, while accents of rosewood and Brazilian cherry add visual interest. The dark rosewood ceiling beams help connect the kitchen to an adjoining dining and living space.

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Behind sliding doors lies a full-sized pantry, complete with wine storage, open shelving, and a second sink. This separate storage area helps keep the main area streamlined and clutter-free. The custom cabinetry is by De Wils.
Behind sliding doors lies a full-sized pantry, complete with wine storage, open shelving, and a second sink. This separate storage area helps keep the main area streamlined and clutter-free. The custom cabinetry is by De Wils.
The designers handmade the custom table with meticulous attention to detail. After intentionally matching wood grains to ensure a smooth transition between pieces, the table was fitted into the kitchen island to transition the kitchen into the living area. The dining chairs and lounger are Eames for Herman Miller.
The designers handmade the custom table with meticulous attention to detail. After intentionally matching wood grains to ensure a smooth transition between pieces, the table was fitted into the kitchen island to transition the kitchen into the living area. The dining chairs and lounger are Eames for Herman Miller.
The custom table was inspired by a piece of wood the clients discovered themselves. Built with live edge rosewood, the piece features iron legs and a visible bronze butterfly connection.
The custom table was inspired by a piece of wood the clients discovered themselves. Built with live edge rosewood, the piece features iron legs and a visible bronze butterfly connection.
The kitchen’s open concept allows for free-flow of movement through the space. Seating is dispersed between the kitchen and dining area. The stools are from Room & Board. The refrigerator is Sub Zero.
The kitchen’s open concept allows for free-flow of movement through the space. Seating is dispersed between the kitchen and dining area. The stools are from Room & Board. The refrigerator is Sub Zero.
Instead of a typical backsplash above the oven, the designer opted for a row of windows to bring in additional natural light. The cooktop hood is sealed under cabinets to create a clean, streamlined effect, while custom tiles in modern shapes add texture. The oven, cooktop, and steam oven are Wolf. The dishwasher is Bosch.
Instead of a typical backsplash above the oven, the designer opted for a row of windows to bring in additional natural light. The cooktop hood is sealed under cabinets to create a clean, streamlined effect, while custom tiles in modern shapes add texture. The oven, cooktop, and steam oven are Wolf. The dishwasher is Bosch.
The clean white of the cabinets, walls, and countertops is offset by the dark woods of the table, trim, upper shelves, and beams.
The clean white of the cabinets, walls, and countertops is offset by the dark woods of the table, trim, upper shelves, and beams.