Emotion and ergonomics shaped the design plan for this weekend retreat home in Pebble Beach, CA, where the kitchen is at its center. Cheng Design employed brass elements, coffered ceilings and warm woods throughout the home and kitchen as well as a unified color palette, custom concrete elements including the kitchen island featuring gull-wing cabinet doors to strike a balance between traditional elements and a modern design perspective.
The use of natural tones punctuated by eclectic details, like semi-precious stones inlaid in concrete, keep spaces unified and modern, but not minimalist. Cabinetry that opens up like a bento or puzzle box adds whimsy and surprise and provides more access to the cabinet’s interior. Concealed cabinet hinge-devices, a Venetian hand-plastered custom hood, a large Cheng-brand stainless steel sink with cutting board rails, and a slab of California figured walnut used as a bar top offer a sculptural dimension and illustrates Fu-Tung’s “emotional ergonomics” design approach.