a principled approach

Martin Romero, owner of M-Art Building Co., follows a fundamental standard when he builds homes: Start with good design principles upfront and keep costs manageable. That both shows and doesn’t show in this kitchen. What doesn’t show is that the central heating and cooling as well as water-heating hub is located adjacent to the kitchen, so air-flow control and water temperature changes are nearly instantaneous, which makes the kitchen, as well as the rest of the home, more energy efficient. What does show is M-Art’s ability to incorporate unique design elements such as the bold, geometric backsplash tile that takes center stage to the white Shaker cabinets and quartz countertops with soft veining. A “flex” space to the left of the refrigerator allows the homeowner to choose: coffee bar, snack counter, small appliance space, extra workspace—you name it. Perhaps the best application of Romero’s guiding principle is the proximity of the kitchen to the outdoor space. “We integrated indoor and outdoor space,” he says. “Because the kitchen sits right in front of the patio, there’s no need for a fullblown kitchen outside.” Thanks to the large patio doors and well-placed skylights, light floods the kitchen. “The kitchen has enthusiasm to i t,” Romero says. “It makes you feel good to be in it.”
M-Art Building Co., martbldgco.com