A Penthouse in Downtown Buffalo Gets A Legendary Modern Kitchen Design Make-Over
In Buffalo New York, there once was a penthouse kitchen screaming for a makeover. Along came Jennifer Hutton from Artisan Kitchens and Bath and Michael P from Michael P Design to save the day! Below is their project story!
This project is immensely special since the Buffalo market is traditionally older homes that carry the sense of architecture throughout. The space was, unfortunately, decorated in the same drab commercial style as the lobby and was quite undersized and segmented from the rest of the living space. Boasting a whopping 9-1/2 ft ceiling height and grand windows, the kitchen had incredible potential.



Removing The Existing Kitchen Wall
The first order of business was to remove the existing wall that housed the sink and open the space completely in conjunction with relocating a door to the utility room. By doing so we gained a great deal of wall space to begin planning the kitchen, bar, island and fireplace focal point. The materials selected for the space were bright enough to scream ‘clean and simple’ yet when combined with the exotic rosewood made a statement of ‘high-end class’, adequate for a 14th floor penthouse.
Using minimalistic surfaces like a matte ‘concrete’ style quartz and embossed, white, large format tiles, the aesthetics truly began to unite the space and bring some visual interest to the room. Professional style appliances were selected, first and foremost, for the small sizes available but also for the features and functionality such as the induction cooking, true built-in appearance and under counter options. A touch of glitz can be seen in the black chrome, geometric hardware, and the statement light fixtures perfectly selected by the client. This is a top modern kitchen trend for any contemporary penthouse design that is getting a lot of attention in the interior design industry.
Most Notable Kitchen Features
Some of the most notable features to consider are the table-style island with ample space for prep and seating equipped with a waterfall edge. For a focal point, an open flame fireplace perfectly flush with the countertop brings a level of intimacy and coziness to the expansive room while being clad in the same porcelain tile from the floor, selected by the client and Interior Designer, Michael P, prior to the start of the project, for a sense of grandeur and continuity. The bar area houses plenty of beverage storage and is distinctly separate from the kitchen but utilizes the same product for a minimal effect. Cabinet accessories were a major consideration in the modern kitchen design and contain elements such as roll trays, corner swing outs, vertical lift cabinets (that you can open with an app on your smartphone!) hidden trash and recycling and much more.
As a contemporary kitchen, the space acts as a retreat for those inside, embracing the upbeat city it overlooks while providing functional, inviting spaces for everyday life.




Big thanks to Jennifer for sharing the details on this modern contemporary kitchen. Be sure to follow her on Instagram at @jenniferhutton_pro along with the contributors below.

Modern Kitchen Design Credits & Contributors
Design Firm: Artisan Kitchens and Bath – Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, & Houzz
Designer: Jennifer Hutton – Instagram
Interior Designer/Conceptual Collaborator: Michael P Design – Instagram & Houzz
Photography: Erin Kristine – Facebook, & Instagram
Cabinets: Design Craft – Facebook, Instagram, & Houzz
Countertops: Caesarstone – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & Houzz
Appliances: SubZero Wolf – Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter