The award-winning Arclinea Boston project posed some interesting challenges. The original kitchen was dated and awkward, with large, bulky cabinetry hanging over a central island, blocking views from the kitchen’s work area to its dining space, reducing functionality, and preventing the flow of natural light. The homeowners-a couple with several young children-wanted a more inviting and family-friendly space within the footprint of the existing kitchen that would offer room for comfortable cooking, foot traffic, better sightlines, and additional storage.

Working with Boston architecture firm Ruhl Walker Architects, Arclinea crafted an elegant and inviting kitchen of warm gray oak cabinetry, granite countertops, and an array of integrated appliances. By introducing deep drawers and pull-out pantries, the Arclinea design provides more storage than ever before-even following the removal of the large cabinetry unit that had hung over the island. The new island, wrapped in bright white granite, is an elegant and functional centerpiece that offers additional storage space, a prep sink and built-in disposal. The award-winning kitchen is carefully designed to serve multiple needs, accommodating both serious cooking and casual gathering.

“We’re thrilled to share this Chrysalis Award with the talented team at Ruhl Walker Architects,” says Arclinea Boston president Philip Guarino. “They worked closely with us to craft an exceptional new kitchen that is no bigger than the previous one, but with a meticulously reconsidered redesign, takes far better advantage of available square footage, resulting in a vastly improved room.”

Arclinea Boston is the first flagship showroom in the United States for Arclinea-an industry leader in the manufacturing of luxury, contemporary kitchens, designed and coordinated by the acclaimed Italian architect Antonio Citterio. Arclinea kitchens are differentiated by their innovative design, creative technology and exquisite materials. The Boston showroom showcases examples of the entire Arclinea Collection, and offers consumers a full-service, turnkey solution to their kitchen design process.

The award winning Arclinea D4 kitchens feature sleek, exquisite materials and a floor plan that accommodates gourmet level cooking and comfortable entertaining. Crafted as an integral element of each unit’s living space, the kitchens feature an open design placing major functions-including refrigerator, wall oven, microwave, and dishwasher-in ergonomic positions along a support wall. A multifunctional island bridges workspace and adjacent areas.

The kitchens incorporate warm teak finishes with a horizontal grain, creating an open, expansive feeling. White Cervaiole marble countertop complements each unit’s bright, minimal palette. Abundant storage, ingeniously located in the island and wall units, eliminates clutter. Integrated drawer pulls maintain the kitchen’s clean lines. Symmetry is emphasized, with the island perfectly centered against the kitchen’s back wall, the sink placed precisely in the middle, and the wall oven and refrigerator placed evenly at either side. The island sink faucet, featuring a sculptural design, is a playful and elegant focal point.

A collaboration between Boston based design firm Urbanica and legendary designer Philippe Starck, D4 is a 26-unit contemporary condominium project built within the South End’s former D4 police station. It features a green roof, glass-enclosed ‘winter garden’ courtyard, garage parking, and on-site concierge services.

Arclinea Boston is the first flagship showroom in the United States for Arclinea-an industry leader in the manufacturing of luxury, contemporary kitchens, designed and coordinated by the acclaimed Italian architect Antonio Citterio. Arclinea kitchens are differentiated by their innovative design, creative technology and exquisite materials. The Boston showroom, located at 10 St. James Avenue in the Design District, showcases examples of the entire Arclinea Collection, and offers consumers a full-service, turnkey solution to their kitchen design process.

For more information visit http://www.arclineaboston.com.

On Arclinea’s Citysearch page, users posted reviews with headers including “exceptional quality,” “really amazing,” “the best Boston has in kitchens,” and, simply, “wow!”

Arclinea Boston is the flagship U.S. showroom for the Italian manufacturer of exceptionally functional contemporary kitchens. Offering far more than just kitchen cabinets, its showroom features four distinct kitchen models designed and coordinated by legendary Italian architect Antonio Citterio. Each demonstrates elegant, environmentally conscious materials and ergonomic placement solutions. The showroom, which opened in 2001 in Cambridge, moved to its present location at 10 St. James Avenue in Boston’s Design District in 2004. Its staff of architects and architects-in-training work with homeowners to craft fully customized kitchen renovations.

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For more information about Arclinea Boston, please call 617/357-9777 or visit the Arclinea Boston web site, http://www.arclineaboston.com.