While cruising Dole Cannery at Iwilei, the homeowners were struck by Susan Palmer Designs’ showroom. Sharp, yet simple kitchen designs by Pedini beckoned them inside. They had always dreamed of having a nice, modern kitchen, and when they walked in, they fell in love with Pedini’s minimalist feel. “It looked chic, cool,” the homeowner says. Their other discovery, of course, was Susan Palmer, Honolulu’s exclusive Pedini distributor, who also happens to be a certified kitchen designer.
For this kitchen redux, Palmer first had to tackle the space constraints. The original builders had placed a dividing wall right down the middle of the kitchen, which limited the storage and counter space. Every appliance and drawer felt awkward and out of place. The homeowner felt trapped while in her kitchen, cut off from family and guests. The solution was easy. Palmer knocked down that wall and moved appliances to the periphery, making room for the new, elegant Pedini features.
“Pedini is a forerunner of innovative design,” Palmer says. “It’s a top award-winner and very sought after in Milan.” With more than 50 years of manufacturing experience, Pedini kitchen designs utilize cabinetry and countertop space efficiently. For this kitchen, Palmer’s Pedini solutions included lots of natural oak cabinets, stainless steel countertops for food-prep areas, and tempered glass for the island’s countertop.
“The homeowners wanted one large sink,” Palmer adds. “So, we soldered it into the stainless steel so you can just scoop everything in. And don’t worry about mold or mildew growing. The steel naturally inhibits growth. It’s meant to take a beating.”
The continuous Pedini finish effectively hides other functions of Palmer’s kitchen design. The vent is behind, not above, the cooktop—yet it rises at the touch of a button. A hidden storage underneath the gas jets can fit the pots and pans comfortably. The overhead pantry is but a step away. An appliance garage conceals an armful of smaller items. The garbage is conveniently veiled below the island.
Thus, when the kitchen is “off” and everything is back in its place, the kitchen regains an integrated, minimalist, almost brand-new look.
“We wanted an open feel, and now it really looks expansive,” the homeowner says. “We wanted modern, but for it to blend with our antique furniture.”
Palmer agrees that Pedini was the right fit for this kitchen. “While creating a minimalist style, the functions of meal preparation and storage have been incorporated into a modern, but timeless design,” she says.
Where to Get it
Designer: Susan Palmer, of Susan Palmer Designs
Cabinetry: Pedini “Integra” in grey oak, from Susan Palmer Designs
Cooktop: Bosch cooktop and downdraft system, from Susan Palmer Designs
Counters: Pedini stainless steel with integrated sink, and tempered glass (island), from Susan Palmer Designs
Dishwasher: Miele, from Susan Palmer Designs
Ovens: Miele microwave/convection and warmer, from Susan Palmer Designs
