Nestled in the cozy neighborhood of North Bend, OH just outside of Cincinnati, NOLI was hired to redefine the heart of the home for a family who loved to entertain by transforming their kitchen into a modern space that beautifully balances hospitality with everyday function. Working in close collaboration with Prisbet Yanes of Alto Design and a client who is a designer herself, this project became an exercise in elevating daily life through thoughtful material choices, spatial clarity, and innovative solutions rooted in purpose and presence.
Stunning Kitchen Island
As you can see, at the core of this design is an extraordinary kitchen island — the widest and longest NOLI has ever crafted. Inspired by a modern twist on the traditional butcher block, this central surface uses granite engineered to evoke quartzite and extends into a cantilevered wood countertable designed for seating on both sides. The scale and proportion of the island not only anchor the room but also actively invite gathering, supporting everything from casual breakfasts to full-table celebrations.
Because we wanted to create visual continuity, instead of a traditional toe kick the island’s cement-finished slab doors extend all the way to the floor, giving the space a seamless, monolithic quality that feels refined yet grounded.
You’ll also notice that throughout the kitchen, the design favors long, horizontal lines and a calm material palette that reinforces both openness and cohesion. Custom stonework was precisely cut for each integrated appliance, from the built-in fryer to a fully vented refrigerator discreetly housed within the soffit, so that technical requirements never interrupted the room’s visual rhythm.
Integrated Appliances
Rising behind the cooktop, a tall stone backsplash composed of two distinct slabs of the same countertop granite material draws the eye upward, balancing the horizontal weight of the island and adding a sculptural edge to the space without disrupting its overall serenity. Every material and junction was resolved with intention, preserving the kitchen’s long horizontal dialogue even as unique and demanding elements were integrated.
Hidden Pantry Door
Finally, we have one of the most playful and functional details snuck within this new, modern kitchen — a hidden passage into the pantry, concealed within a cabinet and designed to preserve the kitchen’s clean, uninterrupted surfaces. It is surrounded by other tall cabinetry and the SubZero fridges, with the repeating dimensional pattern for more architectural impact.
The result is a kitchen that feels both intentional and inviting. Here, our client can enjoy a space where bold material choices are met with warmth, and where design supports both everyday life and lively entertaining.
If you’re ready to explore a custom kitchen tailored to your lifestyle and design aspirations, reach out via our contact page or stop by our showroom to get started.
