Monday, December 8, 2014

Transforming An Outdated Space to a Family Friendly Space!

Our clients wanted to update their 25 year old kitchen. They felt their existing kitchen was too chopped up - there were openings  above the cabinets into the living and dining room they never liked, there was a small center island with a prep sink that was never used, and the space had a large peninsula island with a sink and dishwasher allowed access only from the family room, which made the kitchen feel very confined. 

The client thought their space had great potential that wasn't be utilized.  They wanted a more open concept so the family could cook and hang out together. It was also important that we create a cook center that would have easy access to pots and pans, cutlery, and spices. They wanted good storage for dinnerware, canned goods and paper products.

Our challenge was to create a kitchen that functions well, and also be an open and friendly space.  The transformation was dramatic! We knew immediately that the small center island and the peninsula island had to go.  Once those were removed we reconfigured the island, making it one unit instead of two, and all one height. 

The island anchors the social area for for the family's informal meals, snacks, cooking and homework projects. The refrigerator was located out of the cook center area for easy access so the children could get a snack or drink without being in the main cooking area. One entire wall was designed to hold extra dishes, silverware baking dishes, large bowls. 

The base cabinets have double pull outs. The cook center has tumbled classico stone and tile on the backsplash and columns to the ceiling. The exhaust hood is cleverly hidden behind cabinetry. The island and cook center cabinets are light cream with a mocha glaze. The perimeter cabinets have a chocolate stain and glaze on maple wood.

Giving an outdated space new life not only increases the value of your home, but can transform main living areas into family friendly areas!  Call us today and see how we can help you accomplish your design dreams.