Chef's Surprise

This bright kitchen appeals with its jaunty tweaking of traditional elements. On the island, where one might expect to see carved pilasters or other orthogonal supports framing the paneled cabinet doors, smooth curves are cut into the corners. The tailored lines of the pendant light introduce a geometry that deliberately doesn't jibe with the rest of the room. I'm especially keen on the sly juxtaposition of surfaces: the rustic tile on the wall behind the range contrasts with the chic marble lining—of all places—the lowly toekick.