The River Residence Modern Kitchen Blends Beauty, Function, and Family Connection.
- GRAY AWARDS
- Jun 25
- 3 min read
River Residence by Humbold Architecture & Design, LLC, is a finalist in the 8th annual GRAY Awards in the Kitchen breakout category.
FINALIST
Breakout category: Kitchen
Designer: Humbold Architecture & Design, LLC
Images: Emily Kennedy
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SUBMISSION
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The River Residence Kitchen combines natural beauty, modern elegance, and thoughtful functionality, designed to suit the needs of a young family with two children and a large, close-knit extended family. Located by a river, this kitchen reflects the organic elements of its surroundings while offering a welcoming, practical space where family and friends can gather comfortably and inclusively.
At the heart of the design is a stunning walnut island crafted from a single, sustainably sourced slab from Goby Walnut. This island is more than a functional centerpiece; it’s the hub where family members can connect. Its lower height was specifically designed to accommodate guests of all ages and abilities, allowing everyone to sit at the same level, whether at the island or the adjacent dining table. This thoughtful design allows for chairs to be shared between the dining table and island, ensuring that children, older relatives, or guests in wheelchairs can comfortably participate in the cooking and dining experience.
A striking quartzite backsplash enhances the kitchen's aesthetic, echoing the natural flow of the nearby river. Yet this backsplash serves a dual purpose, concealing a hidden spice cabinet behind the range that keeps cooking essentials close by without cluttering the countertops. This clever feature provides the family with easy access to frequently used items while preserving the kitchen’s clean, minimalist look.
Minimal, floating steel shelves are nestled between flanking cabinetry columns. These shelves provide an airy feel and allow for the display of curated pieces, balancing the kitchen’s closed storage and reinforcing its modern aesthetic.
An additional hidden feature is the bar cabinet, tucked behind a panel and adorned with glass tile and glittered grout. This subtle shimmer adds a playful, sophisticated touch, catching light to enliven the space and creating a focal point when entertaining guests. The hidden bar offers dedicated storage for glassware and beverages, supporting the family’s love for hosting while keeping entertaining essentials out of view until needed. To maintain a seamless, unified look, all appliances are panel-ready, blending into the surrounding cabinetry so that the kitchen’s clean lines and natural materials remain the focus. Custom pulls crafted from walnut and steel mirror the primary materials used throughout, adding a small but impactful detail that brings a cohesive, artisanal touch to the cabinetry. Throughout the design process, one of the challenges was to ensure ample storage that would not disrupt the kitchen’s open, welcoming feel.
Concealed storage options like the spice cabinet and bar were integrated to support the family’s needs for function and flexibility, while keeping the design streamlined and visually uncluttered. Balancing industrial elements, like the steel shelving, with the organic warmth of walnut was another challenge. By combining these contrasting materials thoughtfully, the kitchen achieves a balance that feels both durable and inviting, modern yet grounded.
The River Residence Kitchen embodies a thoughtful approach to kitchen design that values inclusivity, connection, and beauty. By merging sustainable materials, innovative storage solutions, and family-friendly features, this kitchen serves as an example of how to create a space that not only meets practical needs but enhances family life. It’s a kitchen where memories can be made—whether that’s a quiet breakfast with young children or a bustling holiday gathering with extended family—all in a space that feels both luxurious and deeply connected to its natural environment.
DESIGN TEAM:
Zoey Turrell, Humbold Architecture & Design
Judy Ma, J Ma Style Group
COLLABORATORS:
Interior Design: Partnership between Humbold Architecture & Design + J Ma Style Group
Architecture: Humbold Architecture & Design, Siteworks
Home Builder: Teal Point Custom Homes
Landscape: Courtney Lewis
Photography: Emily Kennedy
DESIGNER PROFILE:
Humbold is a client-focused design firm that exists to craft beautifully refined spaces in the complex world that surrounds us. With the belief that the ideal built environment is the perfect blend of humble and bold, Humbold takes an intentional and collaborative approach to each project, resulting in a tailored experience for each client. Since partnering in 2021, Humbold and J. Ma Style Group have delivered eight luxury residential properties spanning both coasts with budgets ranging from $3 - $20 million. We have a combined 40+ years in the luxury residential market and continue to push the boundaries of innovation within the Interior Design industry. We are a team of native Oregonians and pride ourselves on our love and deep understanding of the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
The 8th Annual GRAY Awards is sponsored by:
