Kitchen Case Study Two

Design and Functionality That Absolutely Has to Fit

(You can view the before & after photos from this case study in the right column. You can click on any photo to increase the size or view the entire slideshow)

The clients wished to update their kitchen with modern amenities while increasing space and functionality. A primary concern was the need to create a high quality space while preserving the existing style of their home, which was modeled after a rustic Wyoming dude ranch. The clients requested the use of copper and tile components to help maintain this rustic feel.

To increase space and smooth the traffic flow, the kitchen was opened up into the dining room area, and was also expanded into an existing pantry. The previous pantry was replaced with a newly designed version, still offering ample storage space. An L-shaped kitchen island was removed and replaced with a new, rectangular island, designed to serve as a more convenient workspace. To allow for pendant lighting above the island, an additional cross beam was added to the ceiling, and was painted and treated to match the existing beams in the room.

New walnut cabinets were installed, a selection of knotty grain finish that blended beautifully with the rest of the house. All new millwork was carefully matched with the existing millwork throughout. In response to the clients' desire for a "showcase" effect, etched glass doors and shelves were used, and lighting was installed both under and inside the cabinets, adding a great amount of warmth to the room. The clients' request for custom glass cabinet panels was fulfilled by connecting them with a preferred glass vendor who was able to satisfy their very unique glass design needs. As an added challenge, the clients had found an exquisite antique door that they wished to incorporate into the remodel. Utilized as the new pantry door, the antique piece was fitted with custom glass to match the existing panels, colored to blend with room's other decor and backlit to allow the pantry to harmonize with the cabinets while highlighting the treasures within.

The project was seasoned with copper touches throughout, including a copper sink, ceiling, hood, and dry bar countertop. In order to create the desired effect, all copper needed to be treated and "aged" consistently. A coating of polyurethane was applied to the copper countertop to prevent dents and scratches. The crown molding surrounding the copper ceiling was strung with rope lighting to cast a burnished glow on the copper when lit. Antique corbels and tiles were combined to create a sensational backsplash that successfully united the cabinets with the granite counter tops.

Several modern amenities were incorporated into the kitchen design by adding a new center island, featuring a microwave, wine cooler and large working spaces for convenient cooking and entertaining. The room's natural lighting was greatly increased by replacing one small window with two taller, narrower windows. Previous electrical issues were resolved by rewiring.

This project presented two primary obstacles that were overcome. First, the lack of a basement required that all mechanicals be relocated. Second, the existing concrete on the floor had become uneven, so it was necessary to install a leveling product prior to flooring. In addition, an ample supply of the "aged" chestnut flooring desired by the clients was not readily available. However, once acquired, pieces of the flooring were also desired for use in trimming the copper stove hood, which unified the room.

Maintaining the existing style of this home while creating the desired outcome with the new space required high levels of skill and craftsmanship that are evident in all aspects of the project. Great attention to detail and meticulous upfront planning ensured that all desires and needs of the clients were successfully met.