New York’s St. Charles—maker of coveted kitchens since the 1930s—has now branched out into a new world of customization thanks to the enduring vision of its principal, Karen Williams August 23, 2020
This article was originally published on Christie’s International Real Estate’s lifestyle blog, Luxury Defined.
There are kitchens, and there are kitchens. There are kitchen designers, and there is St. Charles. The company, founded as cabinet makers in 1935 and renowned for its classic kitchen design, stands for taste, heritage—it was the choice of titan architects Frank Lloyd Wright and Mies van der Rohe—and commitment to innovation.
Chief among its innovations was the appointment of Karen Williams as creative director. The company’s youngest and first ever woman designer, she joined in 1979, and remains the driving force behind St. Charles’s continuing success and standing. “Kitchens have never been more relevant, we are valuing them more than ever,” she says. It was a different world when she joined St. Charles 40-plus years ago. Then “they were unknown as a designer space; they were simply a necessary space.”
Williams graduated in interior design from New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology and planned to “break new ground in design” but needed a job to pay the bills. She was hired by a kitchen firm. “I had originally wanted to be an architect, and with kitchens it was all about hard surfaces, precise spaces, fixed dimensions, and straight lines… I loved it.”
Having decided she wanted to stay in kitchen design, Williams did her research and knew there was only one place to be: St. Charles. “They brought design to kitchens. A St. Charles kitchen was defining, it didn’t refer to just an object but a complete package and that resonated,” she says.
Kitchens have never been more relevant, we are valuing them more than ever
Problem was, the company wasn’t hiring. “I pursued them,” she laughs. “I found out they needed cover as a receptionist so I did that for two weeks and got to know everybody. Once that was over, I kept stopping by until eventually they offered me a post.”
St. Charles was one of the first tenants in NYC’s Architects & Designers Building. In the 1950s, it was already incorporating style features such as under-the-counter lighting, linen, and silver storage. It offered a paint range and combinations of wood, metal, and steel.
Williams has drawn from this impressive history to launch an own-name collection, the first in the company’s history, of three designs numbered simply one to three. “It is a curated assembly of predetermined choices,” she says. “Our aim is to demystify—there is a lot of misinformation that can be overwhelming for clients. We want to make it simple without sacrificing quality.
The designs—STC No. 1, STC No. 2, and STC No. 3—are versatile and unique, tailored to fit into a range of architectural spaces. They echo the quality of masters Van de Rohe and Lloyd Wright, with customization for those seeking a more bespoke feel. “Collection one is a contemporary style with lots of glamour. The second leans toward the traditional with moldings and hinges that lends itself to architectural homes, and the third is more casual, chic, and timeless.”
Clients can choose from four palettes, five metal finishes, and four woods—walnut, paldao, oak, or eucalyptus. There are also upgrades, with interior lighting and accessories, such as an entertainer’s draw, baker’s drawer, or carver’s draw. “Clients are very involved and not locked into a particular style,” Williams says. “We’ve followed the idea of a complete kitchen that can be personally accessorized to the very highest quality.”
A St. Charles kitchen doesn’t refer to just an object but a complete package, and that resonates
She’s excited at the prospect of extending the concept, but plans will depend on feedback, particularly from architects. “We want the Frank Lloyd Wrights of today to want St. Charles kitchens.”
Williams’s enthusiasm and passion resonate when she speaks, her relish for her work palpable from the off. When she leaves the showroom and goes home, what kind of kitchen does she have? “I have two!” she admits. “A St. Charles new collection in Manhattan, and a bespoke design in the Hamptons. My lifestyles are different depending where I am, and a kitchen must be designed for the way we live 90 percent of the time.
“In the city, breakfast is quick, so I don’t need a bar or island there, but in The Hamptons it’s leisurely and the kitchen is where it must be comfortable for guests to hang. There I can have more fun things, such as a teppanyaki grill for entertaining.”
As a trailblazer, how does Williams see the future of kitchen design? “We’re designing new kitchens for the world as it is today. There’s been a change already with larger pantries and larders, and now clients want appliances for preserving, sealing, storing—for a healthier way of living. The challenge is, ‘How can I design a kitchen, a functioning kitchen in a beautiful envelope, with all this new information we have?’ It’s a wonderful opportunity.
“Oh,” she adds, “and outdoors. We’re spending more time at home so it makes sense. And I don’t just mean a grill!”
stcharlesnewyork.com
Banner image: St Charles collection two
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Just Listed on Lake Simcoe: 968 Degrassi Cove Pl W, Innisfil
This custom home direct waterfront home was built in 2000 by the current owner and has served as a sanctuary for family and friends. Over their 22 years of ownership, they have enjoyed the property during every season.
Degrassi Cove is a small and exclusive waterfront community and share the private road. The forested lands on the opposite side of the street provide great privacy. There is no vehicle traffic other than the neighbours, so it is very safe for kids.
Built as a 4-season home and located on the west-side of Lake Simcoe. You will enjoy north-west facing views of the lake and sunsets. There are no stairs to the water’s edge. The water table is level to the lot, which offers a beautiful beach area along the shoreline. There is great swimming and boating. The portable dock is 65 ft long with a 12’ x 12’ patio area. Boating enthusiasts can store their boat in the dry boathouse. Entertaining on the lake is so easy!
The home offers 2,700 sf on the main and upper level. The principal rooms offer generous space including a large private family room, formal dining room, large great room combined with the eat-in kitchen. In addition, there is 1,535 sf of finished space on the walk-out level. There are four generous size bedrooms. The primary bedroom is situated on the main level and overlooks the lake, and includes a five-piece ensuite, a walk-in closet and a garden door to the lakeside patio area. The three other bedrooms are located on the second floor.
The lower level includes a large recreation room with wood-burning fireplace and a walk-out to the lake. A large office with a built-in desk and bookcases can serve as a large 5th bedroom. The 3-piece bathroom is also equipped with a partially finished cedar-lined sauna. There is plenty of storage space on this level too.
$2,500,000
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Sweet 3 bedroom home that has a light and airy feel to the interior. Vaulted ceiling with open concept design creates a welcoming feel with plenty of natural sunlight all afternoon. Hardwood floors in bedrooms. Updated interior ready to be moved in to. It is a special place to call home or cottage.
Large wrap-around deck features West-facing views of 2-acre park of which you would be a 1/10th owner. Private dock for all park owners. Deeded Lake Simcoe access is rare to find. Very private setting with mature trees.
$964,000
Message us today for more information or to book private showing.
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In the design stages, the current owner had some important “must-have’s” including a Muskoka like feel, spaciousness, sun-filled rooms, and an “understated elegance“ carried throughout the home.
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– 3 bedrooms on main level and 2 additional bedrooms on the lower level
– 3 full bathrooms plus powder room
– 10.9 ft ceiling height on the main level and 9 ft ceiling height on the lower level
– Great room includes custom millwork and 13 ft vaulted coffered ceiling
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– Spectacular light fixtures including ceiling fans in each bedroom
– Custom drapery and blinds
– Radiant heated floors in kitchen, primary ensuite and the entire lower level
– Surround sound system both indoors and outdoors
A full list of room features, additional images, virtual tour, and more can be found on our website (link in bio).
This listing is also available on realtor.ca (MLS# N5657656)
Listing Price: $1,935,000
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Just Listed: 20 Quiet Heights Lane, Georgina.
When you combine the attention to detail of a quality builder with the owner’s vision to create a sanctuary home, the result is spectacular.
This home offers a “Zen” feel immediately upon your arrival.
The landscaping is wonderfully appointed with a collection of perennial gardens, shrubs, mature trees and privacy hedges on both sides, which is home to many birds. There are several seating areas promote great conversation with family and friends or a place to enjoy some quiet time when you want to be alone and enjoy nature all around you.
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Listing Price: $1,935,000
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The full listing can be found on our site & on realtor.ca (MLS# N5657656)
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Tags: Christie's International Real Estate, interior design, kitchen remodel, kitchen renovation