In designing this Oakland loft kitchen, we had to strike a balance between the “sterile laboratory” feel that one of the clients wanted, with a more approachable look, that her husband wanted. The result was a kitchen that feels sleek, clean and modern, but has some touches of color to brighten it up and make it more homey. The cabinets are high gloss, the hardware is chrome the countertops quartz and the backsplash a long subway style that looks blue or gray depending upon the light.