Black Beauty

Bring in the pros for electrical work
Small appliances reside in a closed cabinet to the left of the fridge. Electrical outlets aren’t usually allowed behind closed doors, but Borecki worked with an electrician to have the outlet safely rendered off when the doors are closed-so the toaster can be used right inside the cabinet.

Smart planning gets help from a few key appliances
A 36-inch Sub-Zero refrigerator is integrated into the cabinetry, but to have produce close at hand, Borecki also included fridge drawers in the prep island. The Wolf oven is paired with a warming drawer, Wolf microwave drawer and a Gaggenau steam oven-just right for perfectly crisped baguettes.

Go for texture
The dramatic finish on the cabinets from Denca is a veneer made from rare tamo, a Japanese ash that has had ropes tied around it, restricting its growth in an attempt to create unusual filigree patterns. (Only one in 10,000 trees develops the patterning.) A custom black walnut stain brings the pattern into prominence.

Look up
The original ceiling was dropped to the height of the bulkhead, but the surrounding rooms were double height-making the kitchen feel cave-like and uninviting. Borecki opened up the ceiling, and now the ductwork acts as a visual border around the room.

Show your style
The kitchen is proportionate, geometric and square in its design-except for that curvy hood fan. The homeowner wanted a smart and functional kitchen, but she wanted some pizzazz too: hence this little flourish of stainless steel over the 48-inch workhorse Wolf range.

Scatter your storage
The former floor plan had an expansive pantry-hard for any homeowner to give up. Removing it created an airier space and, to compensate, Borecki designed purpose-built storage everywhere, like this insert with hooks for ladles and spoons, and another for spices.