In the realm of high-end design, artistry emerges when visionary concepts meet unparalleled craftsmanship. Holland’s Custom Cabinets’ partnership with Elizabeth Aaron of Elizabeth Aaron Interior Design embodies this combination, transforming the desires of discerning homeowners into award-winning realities. Aaron’s design firm earned the Zephyr Kitchen Award in 2023 for this breathtaking remodel of a La Jolla kitchen, and this project laid the groundwork for a beautiful and ongoing collaboration.
Design by Elizabeth Aaron Interior Design. Photos by Nader Essa Photo.
A Dramatic Remodel and a New Relationship
The journey to this award-winning kitchen began a few years ago, marking one of Aaron’s initial collaborations with Holland’s Custom Cabinets. The project was a significant undertaking that involved removing walls to create an open, modern aesthetic.
Aaron recalls being impressed by Holland’s hands-on approach and insightful recommendations, even when they challenged initial design preferences.
“It was impressive to see Holland’s move around the job site,” Aaron shared. “They came in and had a lot of opinions on where things should go and how things should improve. They were present multiple times to review drawings and make little tweaks.” She added that Holland’s accessibility and responsiveness to the designer, client, and contractor made the process seamless and reassuring.
A pivotal aspect of collaboration is providing designers, clients, and contractors the ability to see and feel the quality of Holland’s craftsmanship. With diverse door styles, stain finishes, and displays, the immersive experience of Holland’s showroom and workshop provides a glimpse into the artistry and precision that define every Holland’s creation and installation.
“When clients see the shop, there’s no dispute,” Aaron said. “It’s just, ‘Okay, I understand.'” This transparency and dedication to quality resonate deeply with designers and clients alike.
Crafting the Sleek, Stylish “Un-Kitchen”
The client’s vision for this La Jolla home was a departure from the prevalent Mediterranean style of the time, Aaron noted. They wanted a contemporary, sophisticated kitchen that felt more like an integrated part of the entertaining space than a traditional cooking area – what Aaron affectionately terms an “un-kitchen.”
“A very strong trend in modern kitchens is to make it look like it’s not a kitchen at all,” Aaron explained. “Everything is flush; all the appliances, as many as possible, are concealed. It’s beautiful and very serene.”
Details that elevate this contemporary kitchen include:
- Prefinished plywood interiors for durability and a clean, finished look inside the cabinets.
- Scribe-fit, frameless European cabinets with concealed, soft-close European hinges that provide a seamless, integrated appearance with smooth and silent door operation.
- Gola route in aluminum tracks for handle-free cabinet openings for a minimalist art gallery effect that enables easy cabinet access.
- Cabinets designed for a 1″ shadow line at the ceiling to add an architectural flair.
- Dovetail 9-ply plywood drawers with under-mount soft-close guides that provide durable drawer construction with smooth, silent operation.
- Flat slab and horizontal match grain to create a contemporary and cohesive aesthetic for door and drawer fronts.
A unique design challenge arose from the client’s existing narrow hardwood floors, which Aaron initially hoped to replace with a contrasting material. Nonetheless, Holland’s expertly guided the selection of cherry wood cabinets with a horizontal match grain. This choice integrated the custom cabinets with the flooring, beautifully shaping the overall look and feel of the space. This meticulous process, requiring exacting skill and careful material selection, ensured perfect alignment across expansive surfaces, contributing to the seamless and serene flow.
To maintain this aesthetic, a Gola profile was integrated into the cabinetry, offering a sleek, modern finger-pull solution. While this design choice slightly reduced internal storage, Aaron affirmed it was “absolutely worth it for the finished look,” prioritizing form to achieve a sophisticated ambiance.
Zephyr Award Recognition and Quality Custom Cabinets
This stunning La Jolla kitchen not only impressed the client but also garnered national recognition. The design was honored with the 2023 Zephyr “Kitchen of the Year” award in the ventilation category. Aaron shared that Zephyr proactively sought to feature the project, a delightful testament to her exceptional design and the quality of work by Holland’s Custom Cabinets.
That commitment to quality extends beyond the initial installation. Aaron recounted a situation years later when working in the client’s bathroom, in which the client mentioned a minor issue with the dishwasher’s laminate. Holland’s promptly fixed it “at no charge, quickly, and with no fuss.” This dedication to post-installation support further cemented Holland’s reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction.
Expanding the Vision: From Kitchen to Spa-Like Bathrooms
Following the success of the kitchen, the client reunited with this dream team to transform two bathrooms in the same La Jolla residence years later. The client’s trust in Aaron and Holland’s was paramount, allowing for a significant degree of creative latitude.
One primary bathroom, a long gallery-style space, was re-envisioned as a wet room. Aaron described this contemporary concept as a seamless integration of the bathtub and shower within an open, harmonious space.
The client also desired dark, dramatic floating cabinets to continue the modern theme, Aaron explained. Crafted from Italian low-pressure laminate (Tafisa Viva series in ‘Sugar on Ice’), Aaron described how the grain runs vertically. This sophisticated material, renowned for its tactile resemblance to natural wood and exceptional durability, embodies modern luxury and highlights expertise in utilizing innovative materials. While the primary goal was to achieve an elevated aesthetic, a strategic tower cabinet ensures necessary storage, Aaron added, striking a balance between form and function.
A Trusted Partnership
Aaron’s ongoing partnership with Holland’s has evolved over the years. She said she considers Holland’s an extension of her team, a crucial asset for a busy solopreneur. “I know that I can call or email or text them for anything. They’re going to be responsive and get the job done,” she said. “They do the heavy lifting and make me look good. It’s wonderful.”
The client’s enduring satisfaction is the ultimate testament to the success of these collaborations. “The client was just flabbergasted. With the kitchen, I’ve got to tell you, it’s been years, and it still looks brand new,” Aaron said. “The client says that she’s always getting compliments on it and that it feels like a work of art.”
Holland’s Custom Cabinets remains the trusted partner for designers, contractors, and homeowners seeking unparalleled craftsmanship and a collaborative approach to bringing their artistic visions to life.
Discover the Holland’s difference. Schedule a private showroom tour or connect with our team today at 619-443-6081 for a no-obligation, no-cost consultation. See how we can elevate your artful ambitions to bring form and function to your spaces.