THE PROJECT:

In the heart of a charming 1949 two-story character home, a full kitchen renovation unfolded, driven by the desire to create a timeless space that would seamlessly integrate with the homeowners' evolving needs. After two decades of residency, we envisioned a kitchen that not only exuded beauty but also offered enhanced functionality and storage solutions to accommodate their lifestyle for years to come.

THE EXISTING SPACE:

The existing cabinets were showing signs of wear and tear, their poor quality evident in their deteriorating condition. Plus, their colors didn't quite complement the home's overall vibe, prompting the need for a refresh. The kitchen was due for an upgrade, not just in looks but in functionality too.

Embarking on a kitchen renovation journey often means tackling a multitude of challenges head-on. For this home, the existing kitchen posed quite the puzzle. We looked at the existing floor plan below and pictured trying to navigate from the living room to the bathroom, the side entrance to upstairs, or even from the backyard to the basement.

All this required walking directly through the kitchen. The layout disrupted traffic flow and created a bottleneck between the already small walking space between the fridge and the countertop. Movement was cramped and inefficient. Overcoming these obstacles became paramount in the renovation process, requiring strategic planning and creative design solutions to transform the kitchen into a functional and inviting space for the homeowners.

THE DESIGN PROCESS:

Through in-depth discussions with the homeowners regarding their lifestyle, cooking routines, entertaining preferences, and collaborative dynamics within the space, we established a comprehensive list of criteria to ensure the design perfectly tailored to their needs.

OBJECTIVES:

• Providing space for 2-4 people to casually dine together on a regular basis.

• Maintaining convenient access to the backyard (for letting the dog in and out, for BBQing, to serve and entertain gatherings larger than 4 people outside).

• Incorporating the client's favorite color, Antique Jade by Benjamin Moore.

• Enhancing storage solutions for pantry items and kitchen essentials (i.e., storage for the stand mixer, tray storage).

• Creating a coffee bar or breakfast station.

• Designing multiple workstations to accommodate simultaneous activities (one person cooking, one person washing dishes).

• Achieving an updated, timeless aesthetic in harmony with the home's character.

design options:

With the list of objectives in mind, we distilled three potential solutions aimed at addressing the myriad challenges posed by the existing kitchen. These options were meticulously crafted to offer innovative approaches that would not only resolve existing issues but also elevate the functionality and aesthetics of the space.

OPTION #1:

In this option, we suggested extending the kitchen cabinets into the dining area with an angled peninsula, providing additional storage and improving flow. To optimize space, we recommended adding storage on both sides of the doorway leading to the living room. New sliding patio doors were also proposed for easier access from the backyard. As part of the redesign, the range would be replaced with a tall cabinet housing a microwave and wall oven, while the cooktop would be relocated to the peninsula.

OPTION #2:

In pursuit of a fresh living space, the next design option took a bold approach: swapping the kitchen and dining room locations. This entailed building new walls and creating a hallway entrance to link the living room and hallway instead. This shift opened up the central space between the kitchen and dining room, improving flow throughout the house and reducing kitchen traffic. The revamped dining room offered extra storage space in a hutch and countertop under the window. The new kitchen also fulfilled the homeowner's dream of an herb garden beneath the low windows.

OPTION #3:

In the last iteration of design options, we circled back to keeping the kitchen in its original location while expanding it into the adjoining dining space, moving appliances around. Embracing a galley-style layout (a kitchen layout with cabinets and appliances on opposite sides, like a hallway) allowed for distinct workspaces on each side, ensuring optimal efficiency without sacrificing aesthetics. The kitchen's initial stepped walls presented spatial challenges and so we suggested extending a straight wall to maximize functionality of the cabinetry and create storage potential behind the wall instead.

the solution:

After extensive deliberation and discussions, we reached the consensus that option #3 best aligned with the requirements of our clients.

The design journey always encounters its share of challenges. Notably for this space was the removable of a load-bearing wall (a wall that holds up the ceiling or floor above it) that separated the kitchen and dining room. When the wall was removed, a beam was put in it’s place for structural support. A key decision was made to add a second false beam that would seamlessly integrate with the aesthetic vision.

Through numerous meetings, we meticulously refined the details of the design. As the clients sought longevity in their "forever home," ergonomics played a pivotal role, with meticulous attention given to cabinet features and accessories to facilitate comfortable aging-in-place.

the RESULT:

The culmination of these efforts yielded an open-concept kitchen and dining space that transcended its physical footprint, offering a sense of expansiveness and purposeful design. In the end, what we achieved is more than just a renovated kitchen—it's a story of blending design dreams, overcoming obstacles, and finding creative solutions. Through every project, we get to witness how careful design profoundly enhances everyday living. This new kitchen not only boasts a refined aesthetic but also stands as a testament to the timeless appeal of innovative design at the core of the home. And let me tell you, we're still completely smitten with the final outcome!

“[Heart] spent a year with us in designing our kitchen and dining room, from the initial design to implementing. We are so happy to have a beautiful and functional space.” - G.M. & T.M.