THE STORY
Plum Reverie | Seattle
Anchored by a dramatic plum-colored island inspired by our client’s favorite lipstick, this open-plan kitchen layers rich walnut cabinetry, seamlessly integrated appliances, and tailored storage into a composition of quiet luxury. A bespoke range hood in a liquid metal finish pairs with expressive granite surfaces that read as functional art. A skylight washes the space with daylight, while layered evening lighting brings warmth, drawing the family to the dining banquette that flows naturally into the adjoining living spaces.
At first glance, it was the architecture that drew us in: the soaring volume of the room, the dramatic slope of the ceiling, the skylight overhead, and the way natural light animated the space.
Despite the beauty of the envelope, the existing kitchen lacked the elegance and ease the clients wanted in the heart of their home. Passionate hosts and serious cooks, they envisioned a space that performed beautifully without sacrificing atmosphere. The former island-mounted range and downdraft vent interrupted workflow and connection, turning what should have been a centerpiece into a utilitarian obstacle.
The transformation began with function. The new layout relocates the range to a dedicated cooking wall, crowned by a bespoke liquid-metal hood with a nuanced patina and framed by expressive granite counters and backsplash. Rich with movement and pattern, these surfaces read as functional art, bringing depth, drama, and individuality to the room while reinforcing the clients’ love for unique, character-driven spaces. Relocating cooking off the island freed it to become what it was always meant to be: an uninterrupted surface for gathering, serving, and conversation.
The richly colored fluted island introduces a bold, furniture-like presence. Rather than treating color as an accent, we used it as a defining element—one that gives the kitchen its identity and elevates the space beyond the expected. From there, the design evolved into a study in warmth, craftsmanship, and tailored living.
Custom walnut cabinetry wraps the room in a richly grained architectural envelope, seamlessly integrating panel-ready Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, a concealed appliance garage, a coffee station, and tailored storage solutions. High-quality aged brass hardware lends a jewelry-like finish to the millwork, while a built-in banquette with a custom upholstered seat cushion softens the architecture and creates a natural transition from kitchen to dining.
Materiality was central to giving the kitchen its layered character. The side wall beside the floating shelves is clad in microcement—a sustainable material that is waterproof, exceptionally durable, and full of movement. Its resilience allowed us to forgo a traditional backsplash at the counter, creating a cleaner seamless look. Layered lighting completes the composition, giving the space both intimacy and drama.
The interplay of plum, walnut, warm metal, expressive stone, and microcement gives the project its emotional resonance. The result is a kitchen that is highly functional and deeply reflective of the people who call it home: bold, welcoming, and entirely their own.
Photography courtesy: Miranda Estes Photography
Plum Reverie FAQ's
What awards did Plum Reverie by Persimmon Design receive?
Plum Reverie received First Place in the Open Plan Kitchen category at the 2026 NKBA | KBIS Puget Sound Chapter Design Awards. It also received the People’s Choice Award for Kitchen. The project was designed by Anu Kurup of Persimmon Design.
What makes Plum Reverie an award-winning Seattle kitchen design?
The kitchen combines a highly functional layout with a distinctive material palette and strong visual identity. The project relocated the range from the island to a dedicated cooking wall, added custom walnut cabinetry and integrated appliances, and introduced a plum-colored fluted island as the focal point of the room. The project won First Place for Open Plan Kitchen at the 2026 NKBA | KBIS Puget Sound Chapter Design Awards.
What was the inspiration behind the Plum Reverie kitchen?
The kitchen was built around the client’s favourite shade of lipstick. Persimmon Design used that plum color prominently on the fluted kitchen island, making it a defining feature of the space.
What was changed in the original kitchen layout?
One of the major changes was moving the range and downdraft from the island to the back wall. This allowed the island to become a more open surface within the kitchen rather than being dominated by cooking equipment.
How do you design an open-plan kitchen for both cooking and entertaining?
Plum Reverie separates the main cooking function from the island, while keeping the island connected to the surrounding living areas. The project also incorporates a dining banquette, custom storage, integrated appliances, and a coffee station.
How did Persimmon Design use stone in this kitchen?
Granite was used for the kitchen counters and backsplash, with the stone's pattern becoming part of the room's visual character alongside the walnut cabinetry and plum island.
How does natural light affect the Plum Reverie kitchen?
An existing skylight brings daylight into the kitchen, while the design also incorporates layered lighting for the evening. Persimmon Design describes the combination as creating a different atmosphere as the light changes throughout the day.
Who designed the Plum Reverie kitchen in Seattle, WA?
Plum Reverie was designed by Anu Kurup of Persimmon Design.