Unity through color and composition

As a matter of course, the kitchen by pantry flows into each other. Despite the age difference of the two spaces; the house dates back to the 1920s while the utility room and new entrance were recently built. It is mainly the pivot door that provides that natural flow. The combination with a skylight allows light to penetrate deep into the home, while the aluminum posts add lustre to both the modern feel of the pantry and the classic kitchen.

“A few years ago there was still a collapsed old barn in the backyard and everyone came straight into the kitchen. We didn’t think that was ideal,” says Willeke, the property’s owner. “That’s why we decided to tear down the shed and create a new entrance and utility room.” This one is modern but also shows respect for the existing house by using natural materials such as wood, zinc and aluminum.” At the same time, the owner faced a dilemma. Steel window frames were preferred, but black or anthracite doors would be a very harsh contrast. “Besides, we thought aluminum was more beautiful in terms of appearance.”

Terrazzo floor

The kitchen floor, however, offered footing. “The original terrazzo floor-which incorporates brown, black and gray grains of natural stone and is bordered by a reddish-brown trim that flows into the baseboards-became our starting point.” The doors needed to create a new balance, both in terms of spaciousness and color. “In the showroom of TWIN DOORS in Geldermalsen, the shade of bronze immediately caught our eye. And when we laid several samples on the floor at home, our initial feeling was confirmed. The color is warm, chic and understated, but also harmonizes with the floor. Moreover, the bronze makes all the other elements in the house stand out much better.”

Composition

It is the color that initially attracts attention, but the residents’ sense of composition created balance, tranquility and spaciousness. For example, by choosing a fixed side light, which allows additional light to enter the kitchen. The choice of tessellation to match the authentic doors in the house. But also by combining old and new, rough and shiny. Like the glimpse of the old back facade visible above the doors. “A cool detail that is made extra special by the contrast,” Willeke says. “Sometimes you see the design of the door, and other times the eye is drawn to the old. That dialogue between classic and super modern appeals to us.”

Child-friendly

In addition, pivot doors are practical. “It’s a kitchen door, so it gets a lot of use. So the weight factor comes into play. This TWIN DOORS pivot door is light and hinges in the floor, so children can handle it easily.” Especially in combination with the SQUARE handle, which provides sufficient grip to give the door extra body.

Photography: Raphaël Drent