DesignNJ-FebMar 2024-Digital Issue

The deep-purple hood is framed
by Gothic-style glass-paned
cabinets. “We wanted doors that
had character,” Peter Salerno
says. The rest of the cabinet
doors feature an exaggerated
bevel. “We didn’t want typical
Shaker-style doors,” he adds.
“We upgraded to 1¼-inch
thickness. They don’t look flimsy;
they look substantial.” Tracy
explains the selection of the
backsplash tile: “We chose this
pattern to mimic the curvature
of the mullions and the
curvature of the hood.”
Built-in cabinetry in the same
celery tone as the islands holds
a rotisserie by La Cornue.
couple’s granddaughters). When the Salernos entertain, as they often do,
the islands become serving spots. “Tracy’s island” is used to hold the food,
buffet-style, while “Peter’s island” is for the drinks.
The island cabinetry is a pale celery tone, while the perimeter cabinetry
is white. Those soft hues set a gentle foundation, leaving the dramatic
statement to the show-stopping purple range hood. Peter notes, “When
I design, I design with focal points. I usually start with the range because
that is similar to what the hearth was 1,000 years ago — the focus of every
home, for both warmth and for cooking.” It was Tracy who came up with
the concept for the hood. “I wanted to do something really cool and
different,” she explains. “I thought we could make it look like a steamer
trunk, with straps in copper. I wanted copper because it’s welcoming.”
Peter took out his sketchbook and got to work. When he’d finished,
Tracy sprung her daring color idea on him. She asked, “Why don’t we
incorporate something really bold, like purple?” They agreed the rich,
deep tone would work beautifully with the cabinet colors.
The eggplant hue on the hood was color matched with the “Flamberge”
Rôtisserie from La Cornue, a wish-list item for Peter. “I told Tracy it was
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