Out of the Blue

Sheila Kim -- Interior Design, 3/1/2002 12:00:00 AM

A couple renovating a loft in New York's Flatiron district took cues from the neighborhood's industrial architecture, selecting predominantly transparent and metallic surfaces, natural woods, and neutral tones. However, Sidnam Petrone Gartner Architects, the firm on the job, suggested defining one of the public areas with a block of unexpected color. Since the couple often cook and frequently entertain, the natural choice for this playful gesture was the kitchen.

Both clients and partner in charge Bill Petrone agreed upon a deep blue that incidentally suits the husband's collection of 1950s appliances. Cabinetry was painted marine-blue except for four glass doors that reveal special items from the appliance collection, such as a vintage Mixmaster. While Petrone intended to create a strikingly colorful zone, they also had no desire to overdo it: Dark-gray Kirby stone countertops and stainless-steel and aluminum accents offset the bold hue. Overhead, a former air shaft was converted into a 26-foot-high skylit corner that makes an exceptionally pleasant informal dining nook. Seated here on banquettes or aluminum chairs, hosts and guests can look up and see the sky—coincidentally the same color as their surroundings.