Miami Beach condo owned by a Toronto couple, Fort Lauderdale interior designer Richard Nemec of Environ Interior Design Associates had already transformed most of the living space into stylish contemporary rooms. However, the basic white laminate kitchen was badly in need of updating. “It was time to bring the kitchen up to the same standard as the rest of the condo,” says Richard. “And, since this is the owners’ escape from the cold weather back home, we wanted it to exude warmth while at the same time be slick and sophisticated.”

For the kitchen cabinetry, he selected dramatic high-gloss Macassar ebony with the grain running horizontally. Several frosted glass-front upper cabinets – lit from within to cast a glow at night – provide a break from the heavily grained wood. The ocean views outside the windows served as inspiration for the back-painted glass backsplash in the same cool turquoise hue, which runs throughout the room. Nearly every finish gleams with a lacquer-like shine that gives the space a refined glam look.

State-of-the-art appliances, such as a Sub-Zero wine column, a built-in Miele coffee system and freezer drawers, ensure the kitchen functions as beautifully as it looks. It’s a wonder the owners are ever willing to leave.

Key elements

• Macassar ebony cabinetry
• Stainless steel pulls
• Turquoise back-painted glass backsplash
• White extra thick Caesarstone countertops
• Stainless steel toe kicks

Miami kitchen
Extra-thick Caesarstone kitchen countertops in solid white ground the expanse of Macassar ebony cabinetry in this Miami kitchen. The waterfall edge over the island, which has a pair of freezer drawers on one side, also helps to balance out the distinct grain of the cabinetry. Interior designer Richard Nemec created a black lacquer “bridge” around the ceiling perimeter to visually pull the entire kitchen together. The splashy glass backsplash offers dimension and shine, without the visual clutter of a mirrored finish.

Coffee station
The turquoise backpainted glass backsplash continues into the coffee station nook. The coffee machine is built into the kitchen cabinetry with direct plumbing so it never needs to be filled with water.
Kitchen lighting
Myriad lighting options – in the ceiling “bridge,” under the floating shelves and within the frosted glass cabinets – means the kitchen is well lit for any task and offers a soft glow in the evenings. The stainless steel toe kick below the sink hides a pullout step-stool for reaching high-up open shelves.
Eat-in area
A custom handmade hammered stainless steel table gives the eat-in area a sophisticated industrial edge. The oversized light fixture is a restored antique from New York. Slim-lined leather chairs offer low-key seating that doesn’t compete with the more show-stopping elements in the sleek space.
Floating shelves are perfect for displaying special pieces.

Top kitchen design tips
1 Try varying materials to add dimension and interest, such as the turquoise backpainted glass backsplash in this kitchen.

2 Design your kitchen to not look like a kitchen.

3 Ensure your design aesthetically withstands time.

4 Install good lighting. Overhead lighting works for daytime, and undercounter lighting is best for evening use and nighttime ambience.

5 Use open shelving for displaying decorative accessories and closed cabinets for storing kitchen essentials.