Follow along as 30 years of kitchen is stripped away and replaced with a beautiful, classic, light filled kitchen and family room space for these soon to be empty nesters.
The general feel of the space has changed tremendously. Beyond lightening and brightening, subtle adjustments were made to the layout before installing cabinetry outfitted with custom features tailored to the client’s needs.
The overall space feels even larger as the wall between the kitchen and family room was opened up to unify the spaces. This unification continues as oak flooring and a single wall color flow seamlessly from one space to the next. New half walls and columns with custom millwork define the transition.
Light absorbing stained cabinetry was replaced by lighter painted cabinets. By relocating and downsizing a pantry we made room for an entertainment/snack area complete with a second sink. The dishwasher was switched from one side of the sink to the other to make it unloading easier as dishes are kept in the cabinet above. The refrigerator was relocated to a more neutral location allowing the wall ovens to move down, creating counter prep area in the cooking zone. The island, made up of warm cherry cabinetry in a complimentary door style, contrasts just enough with the oak flooring below.
New, energy efficient, sliding glass doors and windows will ensure this kitchen maintains its warmth through the chilliest winter days. This space is now a pleasure to spend time in as the abundance of natural light bounces off every surface.
Dark dated cabinets, and a layout with some inefficiencies were the starting point for our designs.
The family room’s dark carpet was hiding a hidden gem – old oak flooring.
Before and After Floor Plans
The new space kept the basic layout of the space that the homeowner had grown accustomed to cooking in over the past 20+ years she lived in the home.
While the overall size of the kitchen remained the same, some subtle changes were made, which make a big difference in how the kitchen functions.
The sink and cooktop retained their original location, with a large window looking out to the yard.
We moved the dishwasher to the other side of the sink to make for easier unloading of everyday dishes to the wall cabinet above.
Relocating the refrigerator to a more neutral space allows easy access without crossing the island cooking zone.
Wall ovens are still within close sight of the cook but were shifted down to allow more counter work space behind the island and create a focal point for the rear wall of the kitchen.
An oversized and underutilized pantry closet was reduced in size and relocated to the opposite end of the wall, closer to the cooking zone.
This freed up the adjacent wall allowing an entertainment area consisting of an additional sink and microwave draw for preparing snacks or setting up a bar during large family gatherings.
Elevation of the Sink Wall
The dishwasher location has been switched.
A custom sink base cabinet outfitted with dual trash receptacles will allow the sink to remain centered on the existing window.
Elevation of the Oven Wall
This wall is highlighted by a counter prep area with storage cabinets flanking it.
The double ovens were moved to the right to maximize this work space.
Elevation of the Pantry and Entertainment Area Wall
On this wall the pantry has been moved over to the left. This gives more space for the Subzero, and then a counter area that serves as a bar for parties, and a snack area when the couple are just home alone. It has a microwave under the counter.
Elevation of the Island
The island features a cooktop and down draft ventilation system. The back is highlighted by cherry beadboard in a soft stain that complements the oak flooring.
Elevation of the Bookcase and the End of the Island
A bookcase is turned at the side of the double oven to store cookbooks.
Demolition Begins. Can’t wait to see this kitchen in the dumpster.
Soon the adjacent family room will be more open to the new kitchen.
Open railings will be replaced with half walls.
Space is gutted… Gutting the space often is more cost effective than cutting and patching the walls to run new electrical, and provides a better finished product.
Rough-in of electrical and plumbing are completed while the walls are open to accommodate relocated appliances.
Also, while the walls are open, new, energy efficient, sliding glass doors and windows are installed.
These will ensure this kitchen maintains it’s warmth when winter brings it’s cold temperatures.
This sliding door awaits finish trim and paint.
Once rough mechanicals are done, and we have passed the inspection, sheetrock and compounding occur.
Hardwood is acclimatized for a few days, and new hardwood floors are installed.
Hardwood flooring installation continues.
Beautiful oak inset grilles are cut into the floor replacing drop in metal grilles for a seamless look.
Then, we're on to installing base cabinets. Jobsite plans are constantly referred to during the production of every project.
Cabinet installation details are reviewed to ensure the optimum outcome.
Precise templating for counters will ensure a perfect fit.
The sink specifications are checked as you only get one chance to cut the counters. The undersink cut out is done in the fabrication shop, to get the highest level of precision.
Wall cabinets are installed after granite templating and the counter will be slipped in between the two, since some cabinets sit on the counter. Often times wall cabinets that sit on the counter are installed after the counter, but in this case we were able to slip the counter in.
Counters have arrived! The jobsite swarms like a bee hive towards the end as numerous trades work together to complete this job on time as promised.
The counter installers try to minimize dust as they prepare the island counter for the cooktop.
Seams at the sink are preferred as that is typically the smallest joint line.
This may look like frosting but this custom colored material is used to fill seams between pieces of the counter.
This device is used to pull two pieces of counter together to form a tight seam.
Look how perfectly the beveled edge of two pieces is brought together.
Once counters are in, final work begins. Cabinets are covered while the ceiling is painted and final electric is done.
Note the beautiful new millwork that now clads the structural columns in the space.
Eliminating the usual toe cutout and trimming with molding makes for a much nicer look in the end.
Outlets are installed in the flip up appliance garage.
Drilling will allow lites to be countersunk in glass door cabinets.
Painting is underway.
Window trim gets a final coat.
The paneling on the fireplace wall is painted a complimentary color.
Next comes the appliances. It takes two to wrestle a 48” refrigerator in place.
A custom dishwasher panel maintains the continuity of the look of the base cabinets.
A custom cabinet custom made to house a downdraft ventilation system, insure that this kitchen looks as good inside as outside.
The tile backsplash is installed next. Outlets are pushed back in after grouting.
The tumbled marble has a nice pattern in this niche.
Final view from Family Room into the Kitchen.
Transition boards are used at doorways where floor joists change direction necessitating the wood flooring change direction as well.
Completed Kitchen: View From the Kitchen Towards the Family Room
Although the space was not lacking in square footage, the overall feel of the space grew by opening up additional wall space to the adjacent family room
Replacing dark wood cabinetry with light painted cabinets in a warm white tone also added to the open feel of the space a light is reflected off the painted cabinets.
Completed Kitchen: View From Kitchen Towards the Family Room
In the family room, the carpet was stripped back to reveal beautiful oak wood flooring which was refinished.