Perfectly Calm

Asian style defines a city kitchen

Written by Chris Hughes • Styled by Katja Greeff
Photographed by Eric Piasecki

Two antique transoms were the inspiration for the Asian ambience of this penthouse kitchen overlooking New York City. The old hand-carved pieces, originally created for a Japanese Buddhist monastery, captivated the homeowner who, years ago, found them in an antiques store and fell in love with them. Stored away until they could be effectively used, they were the first thing she brought up when redesigning her kitchen with architect Elaine Felhandler, of Felhandler/Steeneken Architects in New York City. "She showed me the transoms and that was it," says Felhandler, who used the pieces as her design guide.

Once that was settled, Felhandler turned her attention to the layout. She combined the maid's quarters with the old kitchen to create a new 15,519-foot space that would be the centerpiece of a home already under the spell of the Far East. Adjacent to the kitchen, a conservatory that annexed territory from the terrace would be flooded with light and serve as a gathering spot for guests during meal prep, or a hang-out area for the homeowner.

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