Orange crates were the inspiration - kitchen remodeling

Sunset, Feb, 1990

Orange crates were the inspiration Take inspiration where you find it. Here, the humble fruit crate inspired a streamlined, sculptural, and surprising kitchen remodel in Anne and Bob Brunsell's San Francisco Victorian.

Architect Obie Bowman expanded on the produce-crate idea as a way to unify the appearance of storage, appliances, and workspace in an L-shaped kitchen. The cabinetry's essential elements are horizontal 3/8- by 3-inch red birch slats, back-screwed to a frame of red birch 1-by-2s. Solid panels painted flat black stand behind some sections of the slats.

Flush and without handles, doors are almost indistinguishable; the horizontal lines and even, 1-inch spacing between slats give the cabinets a sleek, contemporary quality. A stainless steel counter and silver-painted shelves complete the look.

For more storage, the cabinets stairstep up over refrigerator and ovens. Throughout the kitchen, the cabinetry's rich wood, fine joinery, stepped composition, and satin finish elevate the look far beyond that of the crates that gave Bowman the idea.

The opposite walls are untouched, awaiting future remodeling plans.