Destin Barkley, an interior designer at **D’Asign Source**, a comprehensive design and architecture firm based in the Florida Keys, recently completed a remarkable renovation of a vast tropical estate situated on its very own private island. The outcome is a serene sanctuary that caters to every lifestyle and entertainment requirement. Among its standout features are two outdoor kitchens, a professional pizza oven imported from Tuscany, and a pool-jacuzzi just steps away from the ocean. Below, you'll find our conversation with Destin, her expert insights on designing a custom kitchen, and an explanation of why she opted for not one, but two Traditional Wheel Faucets.
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**Tell me a little about this project.**
This home is located on Bella Mare Key, a private island near Marathon, Florida. It was an extensive renovation that dismantled the original 1,613-square-foot structure down to its columns and beams and expanded it into a 6,000-square-foot estate.
**What were the clients seeking in the kitchen's design?**
Our clients wanted a kitchen where they could effortlessly entertain while soaking in the breathtaking ocean views and tropical ambiance. To achieve this, we designed an open-concept kitchen and dining area that maximizes the expansive vistas while offering ample space for family and friends to engage.
**How did the home’s location in the Florida Keys influence the design aesthetic?**
The great room's grand proportions and stunning views make it an ideal setting for hosting gatherings. Large, glass bi-folding doors seamlessly connect the indoors with the outdoors by opening entirely onto an exterior kitchen, ensuring smooth indoor-outdoor transitions. The color palette draws inspiration from the surrounding Florida Keys' blue waters, while traditional elements and textures harmonize the space.
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**There are two Traditional Wheel Pull-Down faucets, one in the kitchen and another at the bar area. What appealed to you and your clients about that style?**
Their resemblance to a ship's helm perfectly suits this coastal home, adding an intriguing focal point. The pulley system and pull-down sprayer functionality were particularly appealing, and the option to customize finishes was an added bonus.
**One faucet has a powder-coated white finish, while the other boasts an Antique Copper finish. How do these faucets and finishes enhance the kitchen space?**
From the start, the clients were drawn to the powder-coated Biscuit finish. They appreciated its elegant simplicity, which evokes the sandy beaches outside. Given the kitchen’s diverse finishes—three cabinetry styles, stainless steel, and copper accents—the choice to incorporate both a Biscuit and Copper faucet creates a cohesive and unified design.
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**What advice would you give someone planning a kitchen build or remodel?**
Opt for timeless designs and familiar items. Kitchen renovations aren’t the time to experiment with unfamiliar appliances like induction cooktops. Maintenance should also factor into your decisions; for instance, glass-fronted cabinets are visually striking but require frequent cleaning. Concealing a stainless-steel dishwasher with cabinetry materials is a practical solution since dishwashers tend to accumulate water spots and fingerprints. Simplified cabinetry door styles are easier to maintain compared to detailed designs.
**Are there any other special kitchen design details you'd like to share?**
Absolutely! Custom touches were integrated to reflect our clients' personalities and history. For example, the pizza wood storage enclosure was crafted from remnants of their original dock, damaged during Hurricane Irma, while the posts flanking the oven were made from broken speargun shafts. A 300-year-old reclaimed Italian door adds texture and historical charm to the pantry entrance. Generous seating surrounds an 18-foot island topped with book-matched slabs of Celeste Mist leathered quartzite. A custom hood adorned with hammered copper straps hovers above a 48-inch Viking dual-fuel range, creating a striking focal point. Flanking the range are a 36-inch Viking refrigerator and 36-inch freezer, providing a beautiful contrast to the cabinetry. Every cabinet was meticulously designed for functionality, ensuring optimal storage for modern kitchen gadgets and seamless access to appliances. Nearby, a Mugnaini Pizza Oven from Italy, encased in split-face Nuvoloso marble, stands as a culinary centerpiece. The countertops feature a chiseled-edge quartzite, while the bar showcases a beautiful live-edge walnut slab.
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*Note: The image depicts Destin Barkley, showcasing her expertise and passion for transforming spaces.*
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