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| Kitchen & island BEFORE |
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| Kitchen BEFORE |
While the “bones” of the space were exceptional, we were wary of the workmanship that preceded our involvement. Fortunately, the size of space was good, however the use of the space was not. A previous kitchen remodeling involved placing a small island in the center of the kitchen. The recommended clearances for proper kitchen design were overlooked and there was insufficient space on either side of the gas cooktop that was placed on the island. The island was not only interfering with circulation in the room, it was dangerous. Unfortunately, this is a common mistake homeowner’s make. In reality, very few kitchens, particularly in older homes, have sufficient space for an island. Compromising safety and circulation for the perceived benefit of adding an island is short sited. So the layout needed a fresh approach. In addition, all of the finish materials were dated, functionally obsolete and just plain worn out.
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| Kitchen Flooring needed replacing |
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| This pass through is an outdated design solution |
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| Looking into the kitchen from hallway |
· Increase light in the kitchen
· Widen the hallway between the dining room and kitchen
· Replace the black/white vinyl kitchen floor
· Create a place for recycling· Add double ovens if space allows
Materials Selected:
· Stainless steel appliances, currently in vogue and likely to never truly go out of fashion
· White, matte finish cabinetry in a classic raised panel style. This is a durable, easy maintenance option for homeowner’s seeking a classic look without the headaches of a painted finish.
· Antique pewter decorative hardware to blend with the stainless appliances giving an old-world look. We selected the same finish for a pendant light at the sink, which softens the look of the stainless a bit.
· New Caledonia polished granite with a quarter round edge. This lighter toned granite has a fair amount of brown. It’s a nice departure from the typical black and white kitchen. The more textural appearance of the stone renders it easier to maintain than a monolithic black stone surface.
· 14 x 14 porcelain floor tile in a stunning, rich brown reminiscent of leather. The larger scale tile reduces the amount of grout for easier maintenance and creates a more elegant, open appearance.
· White, ceramic subway tile for the backsplash. This material has been way overused, however in this home it’s just right-light, bright, easy care and appropriate for a 1900’s home.
Design Solution:
· The island was removed and a cooktop was placed along an exterior wall with a generous stainless steel hood. The hood could be described as contemporary but it works well in the space and creates a clean lined, open feeling.
· At the homeowner’s suggestion, a brilliant one I might add, we opened up a window that had been closed in a previous remodeling. This added considerable light and openness to the space.
· The existing powder room was oversized-more than likely a former pantry space in the home’s original plan. In order to achieve the most successful layout, we opted to shrink the powder room and relocate its entry door. It’s now a charming new space with beadboard wainscoting and other vintage details.
· Closed the existing front hall entry to the kitchen to allow for an L-shaped configuration that includes the refrigerator, an above the counter microwave, wine boxes, a “perch” for the kids and drop zone for adults.
· An existing pass through from the kitchen to the breakfast room, an outdated 50’s design solution, not comfortable in this elegant home, was expanded to become a generous walk through from the kitchen to the seating area. This solution makes the two rooms feel more connected without losing the integrity of the home.
· Because there was sufficient, accessible storage, we decided against extending the cabinets to the ceiling. Leaving the space above them looks intentional unlike newer homes where there would only be a small amount of wall showing above the cabinets. The resulting openness will be particularly nice in this room. With its generous ceiling height, this kitchen is perfect for spotlighting a dramatic color, a suggestion I have made to the homeowners.
The project started in mid-October with an estimated time frame of about 8 weeks to substantial completion. As we suspected, there were a few obstacles we needed to overcome once we got to look at the actual structure of the space. These were not insurmountable and not exceedingly costly given what can show up in homes of this vintage.
Then came the Halloween nor’easter, Alfred, which threw a wrench in the works. Kitchen + Bath
Design + Construction was without power for eleven days, and our client was without power for over a week, not to mention the tree limb that went down across the homeowner’s driveway blocking access to and from the street. Once the power was restored, our Project Manager worked closely with our subcontractors to quickly get things back on track. Not easy considering all our other projects, and the subs other projects, including this one, were now more than a week behind schedule.
I’m happy to report that we are at the finish line! The completed project is clean, crisp, sophisticated and functional. The workmanship is our usual superb quality. This project is a huge enhancement to this lovely old home.
I raise my glass of sparkling cider to a job well done and to toast KBDC’s Project Manager, Stephanie, and all our subcontractors who worked so diligently through a challenging time to get this project to completion. Cheers!
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| Kitchen AFTER with new window |
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| Kitchen pass through is gone |
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| Stainless appliances won't go out of fashion |
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| Wainscoting adds a vintage touch to the powder room |
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| A "contemporary" exhaust hood adds clean lines |
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| Large floor tile in rich brown is reminiscent of leather |
