A Whimsical Kitchen Reno in Oakwood Village

The Brief: Two frequent globetrotters set out to demolish their home in the old city of York and erect something more eclectic. Reigo & Bauer – known for putting their own signature twists on modern style – devised a monolithic black residence that juxtaposes its minimal form with fun flourishes, like an inset alcove decked in bold hot pink. The next step: carrying that mash-up of austerity and attitude inside to create a kitchen that delivers its own surprises.

The Solution: Whimsical furnishings and storied materials counterbalance the space’s clean, simple architecture. Set on playfully regal legs, the custom island by Filo Timo looks like it was lifted straight out of a fantasyland. Further character comes courtesy of textural melamine cabinetry and marble countertops, which will document the passage of time with their chips and marks. An oven hood and backsplash clad in an oil-rubbed steel echo the coppery sheen of the nearby pendants. In a nod to the pink entrance cut-out outside, the fridge and walk-in pantry are tucked into an angular nook. REIGOANDBAUER.COM

Check out two other takes on the black and white kitchen palette in our roundup of high-contrast cucinas.