Sometimes the best way to start any large project is to create a focal point that can be the “must have.” It’s no different when it comes to designing a home that perfectly suits a client. For instance, this row house in Washington, D.C. was built around the idea of a cook’s kitchen where the owners could spend hours creating elaborate meals for friends and family. While that wasn’t the end of the design, it was an effective place to start. Let’s look inside the house to see what else the team at KUBE Architecture was able to do to create this adorable, colorful “Salt + Pepper House”.

From the rear of the house, it is difficult to even discern its traditional architecture that permeates the curbside portion. The architects opened up the back of the house for easy, spectacular access to the back yard, which is itself a serene oasis in the city. By removing what was once the second story of the home, the back section gets an even more dramatic look, with windows climbing right up the side of the building.

Once inside, drama largely gives way to playfulness. Despite a leaning towards black and white (hence the name of the project), there is actually a great deal of color inside. From electric orange dining chairs – where lucky dinner party guests can await the next course – to deep purple armchairs that would be just as suited to a Prince listening party as to an after dinner cocktail.

The upstairs area is perfect for a young couple, with a spacious master bedroom and pleasant balcony overlooking the living area below as well as the yard a little further out. The love of color makes its way up the stairs as well with lime green and bright red accents.

Finally we get to that cook’s kitchen, opening up into the main living area with spacious abandon. A deep, undermount sink, breakfast bar that easily becomes a chopping and prep space, and luxurious gas stove, this is definitely the chef’s choice of kitchen designs.

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