The client’s, a 60-something couple from Denver, CO chose to remodel instead of move.
“This kitchen is old, we want a new one,” they said after seeing the kitchen transformation I had accomplished for their neighbors. Once I laid out a new kitchen design addressing their needs for appliances, adequate counter space, and ample storage, they realized the possibilities. Guided collaboration throughout invited their participation in choosing the finishes.
Design challenges included structural issues, minimal counter space, cramped dimensions, limited storage, dropped ceiling, a 4’x6’ closet/pantry blocking the traffic flow, cluttered kitchen nook and dominant stairwell.
Solutions included removing the free standing closet/pantry and the dropped ceiling with fluorescent lighting while vaulting the ceiling to spatially open the room. We added a structural support beam to hold the roof and re-supported the sagging floor joists.
I combined the kitchen and nook to allow for a 12’5” long peninsula that seats four opposite the 36” cook top and island hood. I increased storage capacity from four to twelve drawers within the base cabinet layout, eliminated filler pieces in favor of tray storage, spice rack, plus a pantry and double ovens. All lighting is LED; recessed ceiling, under cabinet task, peninsula accent and wall wash lighting on the support beam.
The finishes were enhanced by using a European Beech slab door treatment with a horizontal matched grain, leathered surface granite, wood grain floor tile and Colorado Blue Pine for contrast on the back of the peninsula and side panel of the refrigerator.
When my client said, “I love it. I never thought I could have such an amazing kitchen. The cook top and ovens are a dream come true.”
That’s when I knew I had accomplished their goal. |
