When a single professional in Venice, California, set out to remodel his house, he showed designers Alexi Rennalls and Sam Gnatovich images of lofts and similar examples of industrial style. But he also told the pair?who compose Simo Design, a member of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory?that he wanted a neat and refined space. Rennalls and Gnatovich were happy to bridge the two directions, and helped their client “interpret the industrial look in a way that?s less aggressive and more inviting,? said Rennalls.
Major refinement was called for in the kitchen, which had three rows of open shelves spanning the room’s entire 18-foot width. Combined with an unattractive Ikea island and lower cabinetry, the effect “felt collegiate,” said Rennalls. “We are fans of open shelves, but this was too much. It looked very cluttered and unorganized.” Join us for a look at their solution. Photography by David Gilbert, courtesy of Simo Design.

Above: The focus of the kitchen is an American black walnut island on casters, which the architects designed in partnership with furniture designer Doug McCollough. The top has a heavy lacquer finish so it can be used as a workspace.

Above: As for the kitchen cabinets, says Rennalls, “We knew the island was going to be the statement in the space so it was important for the cabinetry to act as a backdrop.” They chose Shaker-style flat panel doors painted white, paired with expose...