When Robert Legere and Steve Troy, owners of Robert Legere Design in Asbury Park, NJ, set out to design their own kitchen, years of experience creating kitchens for clients paid off. Legere, creative director for the firm, admits that the process of designing their own kitchen was, in fact, very similar to the process they go through in working with their design clients.
“We had a budget and we needed it to function well,” Legere says, adding that they had a list of demands just like any homeowner would. The difference, of course, was in their ability to satisfy those demands without having to hire a designer.
The plan was to positively maximize the total square footage available to them for the kitchen/dining area of their newly constructed, two-story condo. As with any kitchen design, there were specific needs the 360-square-foot area would need to accommodate; chief among them was the homeowners’/designers’ desire for a 72-inch round table that would seat at least eight.
The decision to place their island on an angle would set their plans in motion. The unique placement allows for plenty of workspace and also serves as a barrier between guests and the prep area.
“The angled counter created the space we needed to have the table we wanted without closing up the space,” Legere notes. “We’ve had as many as 14 people seated for dinner at the table.”
Throughout the space, lighting plays a major role in illuminating workspaces, as well as in allowing every inch of the design to shine. “I’m a very strong believer in lighting’s ability to transform a space,” states Troy, CEO for Robert Legere Design. “The right lighting allows you to bring out the vibrancy of design elements and architecture. It sets the mood and brings a space and a design together.”
For a very personalized effect, Legere created a custom tile pattern with tile design company Susan Jablon Mosaics, LLC. “It was kind of a fluid process,” Legere recalls of the experience. “I liked a particular mosaic tile Susan had and asked if she could create a custom blend for us by adding some beach glass and stainless steel tiles to the mix.”
For the tiles’ placement, the designer decided on a graded color scale that would create a dramatic, ombre-like effect. The tiles were set by hand into 12-by-12 sections and installed for what is literally a one-of-a-kind effect.
Living with the design, Legere and Troy say they are constantly reminded of how it has more than met their expectations.
The wall tile is a custom design by Robert Legere with tile by Susan Jablon Mosaics | ET 2 Larmes 9-Light Pendant and in-ceiling lighting trimless fixtures from WAC Lighting provide decorative and task lighting | Sleek and non-fussy cabinetry by Irpinia | Countertops are Caesarstone, #4141 Misty Carrera (Perimeter), # 4040 Dusty Stones (Island) | Appliances are Miele | Floor tile by Emil America, the Bamboo pattern | Bar stools are by PALECEK
Like what you see? Get it first with a subscription to ASPIRE DESIGN AND HOME magazine.