Photography: Adahlia Cole & Colin Peck
Jan Mengenhauser creates exceptional interiors, in part because of her focus on the detailed intricacies of each construction. Her clean lines, organic, simple, pared back aesthetic has been breathing new life into the traditional homes around the outskirts of the US capital for well over a decade. Her own kitchen however was always a project for later. Now, 23 years after moving in, ‘later’ has arrived.
Jan is a hands-on designer. “I designed everything. I worked with Amuneal to design the cabinetry in the kitchen but everything else: moldings, trim, vents. I love that stuff. I’m very much involved in the construction part, every detail, every minute; it gets to a point that they want to kick me out.”
Solving several ergonomic and spatial issues required fairly substantial work, including lowering the ceiling, installing, and making a feature of, exposed support beams while an expanse of glass both draws in the light and reveals wonderful views of the garden. The new space allowed for a larger island and appliances and it was while sourcing these that Jan was genuinely inspired by the expansive Gaggenau gas cooktop.
From the distinctive solid brass burners were born the sleek brass handles for the dark oxidised oak cabinets. Within this dark canvas are set the refrigerator and freezer, either side of the cooktop, itself set into a quartz countertop with dials integrated into a brass frontage. Stainless steel statements: the coffee maker, warming drawer, with an oven either side, emerge from the dark wood on the next wall.
Warm and welcoming, the strong lines and tones provide a dramatic backdrop for the chef. “I wanted it to feel sleek and modern and simple and, you know, it does.”
“I think nobody compares to Gaggenau design and the function and the beauty and the ease with using the product.”
