WINTER PARK, FL — The Disney/Pixar film Finding Nemo told the story of a fish who took a courageous – and ultimately successful – journey through the natural surroundings of the ocean in order to find his missing son, Nemo.

Dina Masci of Central Park, FL-based Central Kitchen & Bath, set out on a similarly challenging adventure when she designed her own “Nemo.” The new construction kitchen (dubbed NeMo for its roots in New Modern architecture), ironically enough, features a 600-gallon, saltwater tank filled with exotic fish. Not only does the tank face the kitchen on two sides – creating a natural, tranquil setting – but it also allows the kitchen to share attention with its natural surroundings.

The design theme required a combination of high-end appliances (from Dacor and Scotsman, among others), as well as natural materials and a warm, earth tone palette, all intended to establish an inviting aesthetic.

To accomplish this, Masci – who worked with installer Ron Vaughn, as well as interior designer Rob Turner – incorporated a variety of unique elements, such as a 12' glass wall above the sink area that disappears into a pocket, opening the kitchen to the lanai and pool area, as well as a temperature-controlled wine room.

“We incorporated strategic appliance locations that allow both cooks and guests to enjoy the open atmosphere,” she explains. “There is a wet bar with a sink, ice maker and a beverage center.”

Predictably, natural lighting plays a key role throughout the kitchen, enhanced by recessed lighting and a sleek hanging lamp over the center island. The previously mentioned aquarium casts a salient glow into the space.

“The overall theme speaks very well of the client’s love of relaxed living, and the outdoors,” she concludes.

Cabinetry Wall

When deciding on cabinetry, Masci notes that she decided to do something different than standard boxes-on-the wall in order to facilitate a smoother traffic flow.

“The goal was to allow the homeowners and their guests to flow through without the defined boundaries that wall [cabinets] typically create,” she explains.

Therefore, she selected brown, wiped off, Mondrian maple cabinetry from Cuisine Laurier (which she designed), to establish a more free, less obstructed feel.

The cabinetry was recessed into the walls at high traffic areas.

“The placement of the recessed cabinets was created specifically to give the room its open atmosphere,” Masci points out.