At first glance, you might not even realize this open, airy space is a kitchen. A fireplace beckons with warmth, walls of windows take in views of the backyard’s manicured lawn and shimmering pool. A closer look reveals the kitchen elements, streamlined and clean, a subtle nod to the homeowners’ roots.
“One of the owners is European and really wanted to achieve that minimal Scandinavian look,” says designer Josh Fiester, cofounder and CEO of Factor Design Build. “The white with white oak and walnut butcher block and the squared edges contribute to that look. There’s literally no color contrast beyond just the white and wood. Also, having the Thermofoil instead of painting gives the cabinetry a little sheen.”
The 385-square-foot kitchen was part of a home remodel aimed at modernizing the 4,105-square-foot Preserve at Greenwood Village home built in 1966. The contemporary Scandinavian design was a priority throughout the project. Along with keeping the minimalist theme, the homeowners also requested that the kitchen truly function as a heart of the home with a welcoming and open feel.
“They wanted it to be a big, entertaining space so they could look out from the kitchen into the backyard and be able to keep an eye on the kids. We added a bunch of big doors from the kitchen to the dining room so they could really access that space,” Fiester says. “For the homeowners, I don’t think it was as much about cooking as it was about feeling good in the space. They want to make sure that everybody could fit in there, everything was really clean, nothing that was super gaudy or had big features.”
The walnut countertop on the peninsula adds warmth, while the clean and simple lines give the space shape. Fiester relies on the furnishings for an easy change in color rather than using more permanent features, such as tile, which he says “you can end up feeling stuck with.” The formerly red brick fireplace was given an update with fresh white paint and a new white oak mantel.
“The clean white lines help pronounce the wood elements and connect to the fireplace. They go into the background of the space,” Fiester says. “They allow the other elements to really stand out without having a lot of busyness and distraction.”
A floor-to-ceiling bank of white oak cabinetry houses the major appliances, peninsula drawers keep the dinnerware neat, and food storage is in the pantry around the corner. White on oak stools from Design Within Reach are parked at the peninsula, while teak and fur stools from Kave Home welcome diners at the walnut butcher block island, designed for extra eating space. The refrigerator and freezer are both panel-ready Subzero models, and the range is the Savigny Classique model from Lacanche in matte black with brass trim. The floors are 4-inch white oak hardwood.
“We modernized the space while incorporating elements that reflected our client’s Scandinavian heritage,” Fiester says. “We focused on clean lines and a color palette of blonde and wood tones throughout the space while playing around with natural materials and distinct textures for a unique feel. The result is a harmonious blend of contemporary design and traditional Scandinavian warmth, creating an inviting and stylish environment that feels both modern and timeless.”
