Subtracting is More.

When you think of ‘ subtract’, you more than likely think that you are losing something.  But what if your subtracting leaves you with the feeling of more?  Well my brain wants more light, and more space.  I don’t function right if I feel cramped.  So looking at my kitchen, I said ” Enough of those upper cabinets, wouldn’t it be nicer to have the air and the lightness?  Do I even use any of the stuff that resides on those tough to reach upper shelves? Well no… I like a modern minimalistic look and that didn’t go with my style.  I actually felt better donating the stuff I never used anyway, and just shifting around the rest.  What I have now is open, clean, and fresh with linear mid century modern lines.  So instead of cabinets I wanted to add a texture to the wall and keep with mid century design , so I used a limestone brick and cut it into an oversized rectangular shape.  Along with that, created a concealed vent hood box.  That keeps it all ‘ minimal’, and adds a bit of shape and depth to the wall.  The added white sconces give just enough ambient light and visual interest.  Now for the warm white oak kitchen cabinets, hidden pulls were cut out in middle just to once again mimic the mid century modern shape, but with keeping with the minimal ascetic. The island now looks seamless, with no handles, and done in white to make it float.  Even the sink and tap are white, I really wanted a streamlined look with nothing sticking out. Just a bright space to work at, and feel calm. So by actually subtracting, I was able to gain more light, space, and a calmness.  That is more.

Matte white faucet.

Concealed vent hood.

Air vents with interest.

Streamlined handles on island.

These mid century modern homes just have that cool texture that i was inspired by. I’m sorry I’m not sure who designed these houses below, but I just love the the texture they give.