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PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
How to Remodel a Kitchen
A five-foot Galley Sink centered in an Alaska White Granite Countertop is serviced by two Delta faucets providing the heartbeat of this unique prep and serving center. Custom full overlay cabinets by Broken Arrow Woodworks provide a wealth of storage.
Background
Our client’s home was surrounded by a hard to replace collection of mature trees. It was located in a quiet neighborhood that was known for its interesting collection of architectural styles. It had a back yard pool that was perfect for the empty nesters to have family gatherings.
They had owned the house for a number of years, and had rented it out during the time frame that the husband worked as a consultant abroad. Upon returning to the United States they wanted to have a home that incorporated many of the features that they learned to enjoy during their life in Europe. Initially they looked at newly constructed homes which inevitably had smaller lots, few trees and were not as conveniently located to shopping and family. After several frustrating months of searching our clients elected to stay in their location and to transform it into the home that they were looking for. They interviewed several design build firms, but remained apprehensive about undertaking a total first level remodel until they saw a remodel that we had completed in their neighborhood. Speaking with the Owners they became excited about taking on the challenge and subsequently contracted with us for a total first level design build project.
The Problems and Challenges
The dated existing kitchen was designed in a standard L shaped configuration with a bay window that accommodated the kitchen table. The dropped ceiling disguised the fact the true frame height of the kitchen ceiling was ten feet. It consisted of an eight-foot tall wooden frame that was lighted by fluorescent bulbs concealed behind egg crate style plastic lenses. The twenty-five year-old appliances were at the end of their life. Adding to the dated appearance were laminate counter tops, poorly designed storage and seven-foot tall cabinets that had yellowed with age. The limited floor space of the kitchen placed a damper on the gourmet cooking skills of the wife. The kitchen was also isolated from the adjoining family room by a cased opening restricting social interchange between these areas during family gatherings.
Before
A dropped ceiling complete with plastic grids hovered over this 1980’s kitchen. Oak cabinets with arched top doors, that had yellowed with age, were tucked under the plywood covered soffit. Laminate countertops provided the foundation for a surface mounted sink, while 4” x 4” ceramic tile covered the backsplash.
The Solutions
This vastly improved super kitchen is now also chock full of amenities. A sophisticated LED lighting system incorporating task, general and accent lighting was designed and installed. Complementing the convenient built in storage, are Alaska White granite countertops, a dual fuel commercial range complete with steam oven, a stainless steel exhaust hood with remote blower, a drawer microwave, six-foot Galley Sink with twin faucets, a pot filler over the range and both wine and column refrigerators. The cabinets, which are outfitted with transitional style doors, are organized for specific placement of kitchen items, such as spices, small appliances, cooking utensils and dividers for cookie sheets and serving trays. Two different cabinet finishes were used to complement the new hardwood floors. A new wall of thermally efficient exterior-doors provides a view of the back yard while allowing direct access to the pool. Constructed as a visible bridge between the indoors and outdoors they allow these spaces to be integrated with each other, thereby creating the desired central hub for family activities.
Twin Delta touch activated faucets cascade water into a five foot under-mount stainless steel Galley Sink and prep center. The backsplash featured Kyoto Tile from Japan.
A Thermador exhaust hood & range, complete with steam oven are focal points in this kitchen. They are enhanced by the Kyoto glazed porcelain subway tile.
All existing flooring was removed and 2-1/4” oak floors installed.
The Homeowners
“As the job progressed there were no real surprises due to Ed’s meticulous planning, precise measurements, and ability to foresee problems. His problem solving skills are excellent.”