Chad Dorsey’s Elegant Kitchen for Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas

Kitchen Overview

Chad Dorsey imagined “concept homeowners” named the Beauchenes when designing this modern kitchen. The design features a European elegance-meets-industrial-edge aesthetic with tailored, relaxed, luxurious materials and detail. Materials, lighting, and fittings all make a statement about refined tastes and a well-curated lifestyle. The focal point of the space is a cased opening using Cambria Stone inset with a chinoiserie painting by artist James Mobley created on Industry Glass over an antique mirror. Custom dark white oak cabinets with wood and brass fittings and hardware from DLV provides an industrial edge. Use of a brass tabletop with tubular steel base and custom Apparatus Studio Trapeze Fixture offers a pleasing contrast against the rustic Cantera floor from Materials Marketing.

Behind the cased opening, a prep kitchen, pantry, and work-from-home space assure that all the day-to-day messy work stays out of the way. Here, the lacquered millwork finished by painter Louis Gloria is traditional, evoking an English sensibility in pale Puritan Gray from Benjamin Moore. The hardworking custom brass island features a custom butcher block at the end of the space — a perfect spot for an espresso. Inspired by an English sunroom, a faux skylight with an abstract black-and-white bird wallcovering from Trove creates the illusion of peering into the sky. A mix of artwork, stemware, and cherished mementos personalizes the space. — Chad Dorsey

Chad Dorsey shares his collaborations, sources, and design favorites:

Highlights:

Taking an “ugly duckling” and making it special is one of my favorite things to do. I always find great reward in a transformation. Deciding to divide the kitchen into two unique spaces and experiences ultimately became a highlight, because each had different requirements and a different feel.

Working with 26 other designers from across the country was a great experience. We have all bonded and become close friends during this process. It was really a lot of work, but also a lot of fun.

Collaborations and secret sources:

James Mobley from Los Angeles hand-painted chinoiserie on the antique mirror in the main kitchen. We worked on the wall’s concept for a month with vignettes that he created before we ultimately landed on a direction for the antique mirror. I wanted it to be subtle but also clean — almost a modern interpretation. James has done work with Nate Berkus, Alessandra Branca, Jake Arnold, and Douglas Friedman.

Chris from Sputnik Modern provided a pair of Edward Wormley dining chairs and a Peter Voulkos vessel on the bar top. Chris has an amazing eye; his shop Sputnik Modern is a go-to source for any project of mine.

DLV Designs custom-made all of the cabinet hardware for my kitchen and prep kitchen, which really elevates the space.

Juan Luis Gonzalez for Neovations made all the amazing brass fittings in our space, as well as the tubular steel base for the bar top in the kitchen.

The Stone Boutique helped me find the perfect slabs of marble for the prep kitchen. The showroom’s technology for creating the perfect bookmatch for the installer is amazing.

Louis Gloria Painting handled all the stain and painting. Louis is simply the best. I will not use anyone else. He goes the extra mile and elevates the quality of the room. His team makes everything simple and fun.

Justin Douglas from Douglas Cabinetry hand-made all the white oak cabinetry to our specifications in a short time frame with attention to detail. And, as a bonus, he’s an exceptionally nice guy.

Taylors provided  Tech Lighting for all of the recessed fixtures. Shane Douglas Lighting Design created the perfectly lit space.

Cambria Stone for the countertops.

Materials Marketing for the Cantera floor.

The Countertop Market — These guys are amazing, efficient, and great to work with.

Favorite piece in your room:

My favorite piece is the niche in the prep kitchen, which defines the space for the dining area. This niche really makes it special.