Seasoned home designers know how to spot good bones when they see them. So, when professional builders Kevin Rasmussen and Vivian Su of the Rasmussen/Su architecture firm were contacted to renovate this 1876 townhouse in Filter Square, Philadelphia, the duo was more than delighted to get to work. Together, the team used over 25 years of collective experience with award-winning designs to give new life to this historical Pennsylvanian gem, capturing the integrity of its Victorian architecture and the modern needs of their clients.
Naturally, the pair turned to BlueStar — a Pennsylvanian brand dating back to 1880 —when it came to revamping this home’s kitchen. BlueStar embodies the spirit of traditional craftsmanship and professional performance, which perfectly suit the look and needs of this upscale kitchen design. By honoring the space and its purpose, Rasmussen and Su were able to satisfy their client and take home the BlueStar 2021 Design Contest Grand Prize for expert conceptualization, product use, and design.
Discover why BlueStar was an essential element to this luxury high-end kitchen with our spotlight below.
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Appliances Featured in this Design
BlueStar Professional Range Hood
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Several traditional elements are in this space, but it’s the expert execution of those elements that gives this kitchen its luxurious feel. Using a galley kitchen layout, the Rasmussen/Su team highlight one of the prominent more features of this kitchen: A series of expansive windows that provide natural lighting in a custom breakfast nook along a bay-style window. It’s the perfect gathering zone for casual weeknight meals with the family or to keep company cozy while hosting soirees — just exactly the versatility the clients requested.
Of course, what’s an aspirational kitchen without a chef’s range? With over 750 color options to choose from, BlueStar ranges complement virtually any kitchen design. To match the blue, white, and gold theme used throughout the kitchen, the designers explored BlueStar 60” Nova Series ranges, agreeing on an all-gas model with a 12-inch griddle and nine burners to do the job. The front features a custom Anthracite Grey color finish with Antique Brass trimming that blends with adjacent cabinetry for a completely cohesive look that doesn’t challenge the open kitchen concept nor the effect of the wide windows.
Just don’t confuse this 60-inch pro-style range for a wallflower. Whether it’s a sauté or flambé, everything is gourmet with up to 22,000 BTUs of firepower on exclusive UltraNova burners at the ready with the turn of a knob. When it’s time to shine, BlueStar delivers the entertainer’s fantasy with additional upgrades like:
- Two (2) full-size range ovens with a total of 9.2 cubic feet of baking space
- Powerful convection baking technology
- A restaurant-grade infrared broiler with up to 1,850 degrees of char power
Shop BlueStar 60” Nova Series Ranges
To preserve the view into the lush landscape located just outside the kitchen, ventilation is kept minimal. Rather than going custom, a BlueStar Manhattan island hood expands entirely above the powerful range below to efficiently capture smoke and heat while cooking. With a bare design, the clients are still able to peer outdoors while creating meals, creating a one-of-a-kind cooking setup that is soothing and luxurious with features like:
- The industry’s largest filter capture
- Customizable blower options with up to 1,400 CMFs of performance
- Commercial-grade baffles
Across from the cooking area, a gorgeous marble island anchors this kitchen, providing a multi-purpose zone to enjoy and prepare meals. Directly opposite of the range is a convenient wash zone flanked by Shaker-style cabinets in all-white with golden hardware, which tie into Schoolhouse electric lights above the island, and the sparkle of a Sputnik chandelier over the den space. Overall, the presentation created is clean, classic, and opulent, while remaining true to the original architecture of this 1870s Philadelphia townhouse.
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Find More Inspo with BlueStar Appliances
BlueStar also manufactures commercial-grade refrigeration and dishwashers that are perfectly suited for the high-end look and performance of this kitchen design. To recreate the look of this kitchen — or to create a one of your own — explore BlueStar refrigeration and BlueStar dishwashers, including panel-ready models that let you get creative with inspiration.
Shop BlueStar Appliances at Grand Appliance & TV
Kitchen redesigns, like this BlueStar 2021 Design Contest Winner, from co-designers Kevin Rasmussen and Vivian Su are prime examples of the importance of choosing the right appliances for your space. All you need is an idea, and our team of appliance experts can help you bring your vision to life, with the right products for your space, lifestyle, and needs.
Browse our complete catalog for even more, including mattresses and electronics at the lowest prices guaranteed. Shop today online, by phone at 888-396-8165, or at one of over 25 appliance showrooms near you in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Iowa, including locations in Chicago, Green Bay, Indianapolis, and Milwaukee.
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