An angled corner kitchen of just over 100 square feet became a highly functional mini masterpiece through the remodeling talents of Details International Inc. The small space inhabits a two-bedroom O‘ahu condominium, located on the 18th floor of a high-rise in Nu‘uanu, Honolulu’s main valley.

Tucked into a corner of the condo floor plan, the kitchen featured a variety of challenges. Beyond its unusual angles and tight spaces – with a protruding sprinkler head to boot – the kitchen lacked windows, which meant the area could have become a dark corner without careful treatment. In addition, the condo’s new owners were bringing along many treasured keepsakes from their previous, larger home. Somehow, they needed to fit all these items into their new residence.

Moreover, the couple’s lifestyle includes entertaining and hosting family for holidays. He enjoys serving wines and cocktails and wanted an area with everything close at hand. She wanted storage for special glassware, china, and serving pieces. She also needed convenient access to many frequently-used appliances. And since she's petite, most storage needed to be within easy reach.

It all added up to a big order for a small space -- but lead designer Glenda Anderson and associate designer Sue Haas, CKD, were up to the job. They began with the insight that the space required a pale palette and plenty of effective, yet unobtrusive, lighting.

The owners decided against the obvious color scheme of solid white, which they felt was too conservative. Instead, the condo’s soothing pale blue walls continue into the kitchen. Meanwhile, cabinets offer a bold two-tone color scheme of light tan accented by cocoa brown. In concert with garnet-red shades on hanging fixtures, this palette provides a pleasing backdrop for a surprising number of artworks and collector’s pieces.

To maximize space, the Details International team included a full height appliance bay; Magic Corner hardware; fully-integrated 27-inch Sub Zero 700TC refrigerator/freezer; under-counter Sub-Zero 700BR 27" refrigerator drawers; and even a small broom closet. Glass wall cabinets with Dainolite 12 volt mini pot lights provide display space for special glassware. China storage faces the dining area. An in-countertop trash bin makes full use of corner space over plumbing pipes that could not be moved. Juno 12 volt under-counter lighting added illumination.

Cabinets are Downsview Moda in Boston Satinwood and Memphis Satinwood finishes; the Top Knob 5" pulls feature a Satin Nickel finish. The floor and ceiling are white, adding a sense of volume to the kitchen, while the adjacent dining room’s engineered wood floor matches the cabinetry. The Caesarstone quartz countertops feature a complementary light brown pattern called Sierra.

Appliances include a Bosch SHX57C06UC 24" dishwasher; Kindred single bowl under mount stainless steel sink with Franke hot & cold water dispenser and Franke disposal; and a GE Monogram ZEM200 24" microwave located in the appliance bay.

The overall result is a casual yet highly functional, low-maintenance kitchen for contemporary Hawai‘i living. Completed in 2007, the remodeled space lives up to Details International goal…to provide all of its clients with “a beautiful sculpture for living.”

Details International Inc.
Gentry Pacific Design Center, Suite 104
560 North Nimitz Highway
Honolulu, HI 96817
Phone (808) 521-7424
Fax (808) 599-2811
www.details-international.com