A Fusion of East and West: Mahogany Transforms a Home
Spotlight on: Mahogany, Genuine Mahogany, Honduras Mahogany
Continued from page 25
elsewhere in the residence. "The warm, reddish color and linear grain of the ribbon Mahogany appealed to my clients' aesthetic and was just a natural solution for this residence," said Westeroth.
When Mahogany is rift cut, it emphasizes its straight grain and gives it a linear cadence. In the kitchen, the wood's warmth reflected off of the brushed stainless steel appliances and tempered the cool character of the metal.
"We love the beautiful natural striations of the wood and the rich intense color, which seems to glow at night. The center island has ribbon Mahogany cabinets in a glossy finish, while the surrounding cabinets and Sub-Zero fridge have a matte finish. These have proved to be very easy to clean and still look brand new after seven years," noted Nadarajah.
With its soft color palette and judicious use of natural woods, the Nadarajah home is an elegant fusion of East and West. Its stylings, furnishings, appliances and building materials from around the world are seamlessly integrated into a well-planned total environment. Touches of East Asian art and décor coexist with rich vibrant reddish-brown woods synchronized against a background of blue/green slate tiles, a green glass tile backsplash and brushed stainless steel appliances. "Erica even designed a lovely eastern grill made of Mahogany which looks into the solarium and gives the whole area a lovely, peaceful Zen-like feel," said Nadarajah.
"The simple beauty and functionality of our home has really transformed everyday living into a wonderful experience," she added. "We would highly recommend both of these woods for home renovations. They're durable and beautiful and have a timeless quality." IW
Erica Westeroth/XTC Design Incorporated — XTC Design Inc. is an award winning, interior design firm specializing in kitchen and bathroom designs, entertainment spaces, home offices and custom furniture.
SPOTLIGHT ON: MAHOGANY, GENUINE MAHOGANY, HONDURAS MAHOGANY
Species: Swietenia macrophylla
Origin: Southern Mexico southward to central South America; also commonly grown on plantations.
Common Applications: Fine furniture and cabinetmaking, interior trim paneling, high-end veneers, musical instruments, boat building, patternmaking, turnery and carving.
Characteristics/Appearance: Heartwood is reddish, pinkish, salmon colored, or yellowish when fresh. It mellows with age to deep rich red or brown; distinct from the yellowish or whitish sapwood. Luster is high and golden; texture may be fine to coarse; grain may be straight, interlocked, wavy or curly, often with attractive figuring.
Janka Hardness Scale: 900 lb_f (see chart on page 19)
Comments: Genuine Mahogany is considered one of the finest crafter's woods. Mahogany is easy to finish and takes an excellent polish. It can be sliced and rotary cut into fine veneer. Mahogany exhibits an interesting optical phenomenon known as chatoyancy, a cat's-eye reflectance effect also seen in certain gemstones.
Frequently asked questions
Why is rift cut Mahogany used in kitchen cabinetry?+
Rift cutting Mahogany emphasizes its straight grain and gives it a linear cadence. In the Nadarajah kitchen, the wood's warm reddish color reflected off brushed stainless steel appliances and tempered the cool character of the metal.
How does ribbon Mahogany hold up over time in a kitchen?+
According to homeowner Nadarajah, the ribbon Mahogany center island in glossy finish and surrounding cabinets and Sub-Zero fridge in matte finish have proved easy to clean and still look brand new after seven years.
What is the scientific name and origin of Genuine Mahogany?+
Genuine Mahogany is Swietenia macrophylla, native to southern Mexico southward to central South America. It is also commonly grown on plantations.
What are common applications for Honduras Mahogany?+
Honduras Mahogany is used for fine furniture and cabinetmaking, interior trim paneling, high-end veneers, musical instruments, boat building, patternmaking, turnery and carving.
What does Mahogany heartwood look like?+
Mahogany heartwood is reddish, pinkish, salmon colored, or yellowish when fresh, mellowing with age to a deep rich red or brown, and is distinct from the yellowish or whitish sapwood. It has high golden luster, with texture ranging from fine to coarse and grain that may be straight, interlocked, wavy or curly.
What is chatoyancy in Mahogany?+
Chatoyancy is a cat's-eye reflectance effect, an optical phenomenon exhibited by Mahogany that is also seen in certain gemstones.
What is the Janka hardness of Genuine Mahogany?+
Genuine Mahogany has a Janka hardness rating of 900 lb_f.