The goals were to open up the kitchen to the living/dining/great room, get more natural light, and update/improve the kitchen, while keeping the spaces warm and inviting.
Another priority was the need to buffer sound from early risers in the kitchen to this master bedroom, which was accessed directly off the eat-in kitchen, or via two long inefficiently utilized hallways.
The new layout eliminated both hallways to the masterbedroom as well as the wall separating the kitchen from the great room. This space was used to create a walk-in pantry off the kitchen.
The former eating area of the kitchen is now a sitting area in the newly expanded master suite, with the the existing slider now allowing access from the bedroom to the rear deck.
The oversized coat closet, formerly accessible only from the dining room, now can be accessed when you come in from the garage.
The kitchen was totally transformed and packed with design details.
Thanks to the walk-in pantry, the minimal wall cabinets flanking the range hood offer enough space for everyday dishes, glasses and mugs on one side and cooking essentials on the other side.
A tall pantry next to the refrigerator provides deep storage for large platter, bowls and small appliances to keep the countertops free of clutter.
The two tiered design island blocks the view of a sink full of dirty dishes when sitting at the dining table.
With plenty of counter space on either side of the stove for cooking, the chef-worthy sink on the island is available to prepare ingredients before cooking.
The oversized stainless sink came with enough accessories to make meal preparation easier for everyone.
There's ample room for storage of china and crystal on the dining room side in cabinetry that floats above the floor.
The stacked stone veneer ties the new island to the stone on the original fireplace.
The kitchen was closed off from the livingroom/diningroom, making it an uninviting place to work.
We will open it up, and better balance public and private space.
It's not always necessary to completely change everything in a home; the clients liked the tone of the old cabinets, so the new birch cabinetry will utilize a similar light stain.
They also liked the existing glass block, so this design element was expanded upon and embelished in the new design.
Out of respect for the home’s history, the great room, with its beautiful stone fireplace, was to be left intact.
While the wood panelled walls helped to bring warmth to this big, vaulted space it absorbed much of the natural light.
To bring in more natural light, bookcases will be removed from this wall and a big window cut in. Better enjoyment of the view will be an added bonus.
After demo, the dated tile backsplash is all that is left of the former kitchen.
The mud hallway is being removed to create a more open plan with a walk in pantry.
New insulation specifically made for cathedral ceilings will ensure an open, but warm, kitchen.
Careful measuring and attention to the plan will ensure that plumbing for the island sink is in the right spot.
New hardwood flooring is stacked inside in advance to allow time to acclimate prior to installation.
Glass block inserts will bring light into the new master entry hallway from existing skylights over the adjacent staircase.
The use of glass block pays homage to the original architect who used the material throughout the home when it was built over 50 years ago.
A new roof will ensure this mid century home stays safe from the elements for another 30 years.
The copper flashing will eventually patina to a warm brown.
The flat portion of the roof receives a special membrane roofing material made for this application.
Back on the inside, with the sheetrock installed you can finally see the new kitchen take shape.
With the enlarged kitchen plan posted on the wall, cabinet installation begins.
Careful planning made installation so easy they are actually smiling.
Luan (wood) strips are glued together to create templates for each counter surface.
Glass tile is installed vertically at the backsplash for the stove.
Next the wall mounted faucet installed at the sink. Wall mount faucets always present challenges since there are little margins for error.
The use of stone means no worrying about marks from feet kicking this wall when seated at the island.
The cabinets suspended on the rear of the island will hide a messy sink from those seated at the dining table.
On the right, you can see a sliver of the chalkboard door on this walk-in pantry. This will make a perfect spot to leave messages and post shopping lists.
Adding lighting below the cabinets accentuates the floating above the floor.
Our designers created a raised bar that looks like it is a solid block of stone utilizing quartz based engineered stone.
The use of different colors of stone materials brings attention to, and helps define the various shapes within the space.
The cork floor defines the kitchen space and provides cushioning underfoot for the cooks.
The final design not only accomplishes the clients' wish for form and function but always looks like it has always been there, thus respecting the home's pedigree and its creator's original vision.
The living room feels like it grew much more than the 8” it gained by removing the former bookcases on that wall.
An oversized square picture window bring in natural light. It's sized to match the width of, and aligned directly with the freestanding fireplace that dominates the living room,
Now, your eye is drawn immediately through the room and out to the deck and trees beyond.
Truly done. Final photos taken after the clients have moved back in and are enjoying their new kitchen, diningroom and livingroom.
Chrysalis award winner, judged on overall design as well as the creative use of space and materials.
