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Professional Remodeler's 2005 Best of the West Design awards recognize design, quality construction and exceptional value in remodeling projects. Projects were judged with five criteria: aesthetic and visual appeal; value delivered for the price; quality of workmanship; space planning and functionality; and how well problems were solved and challenges met.
Below is featured Powell Construction's winning project from start to finish.
Send out the dinner invitations, center stage is ready! The variety of matte and reflective surfaces all come together in this stylish new kitchen! (Photo 1 above) From the polished mirrored backsplash and framed custom glass doors, to the metallic and matte cabinet faces, and the contrasting slate and marble flooring— these surfaces shine in a multi-layered lighting scheme.
To see the before and after floor plans, click here.
Click here to see the Homeowner's wants and needs
Topics
- Before Relocating the Kitchen
- During
- Design & Function
- Innovative Solutions
- What about the laundry room?
Before Relocating the Kitchen
The drab kitchen photoed here was the motivation for remodeling. It had dated 1970’s cabinets and counters and no redeeming features as it sat in the back of the house.
Peninsulas with hanging cabinets (photo 3) were once popular, but closed in the kitchen and the chef. Today’s homeowners want to be connected to their families and guests while cooking.
A prior remodel converted a garage into this family room. The load bearing wall from the garage was replaced with a header, pictured here in the opening between the fireplace area and the family room (photo 4). To creatively support this load out of sight, we removed some of the siding on the house and hoisted a 5 1/4 Glulam beam into the attic above the rafters.
As you can see in Plans C and D, the framing of this ceiling was very complex.
This wall and main electrical panel (photo 5 below) occupied valuable space needed for our new kitchen design (photo 6 right). The entire wall was removed and the wiring relocated to a new panel.
During...
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The end result made the effort put forth on this ceiling all worthwhile.
The precision necessary to craft the tray ceiling was tricky. Everything from the thickness of the drywall, diameter of the rope light, and color of paint to be reflected were all considered. |
The microwave and hood combination provides more workspace and an is less obtrusive than a large ventilation hood.
This supporting bracket (below left) helps the eating bar below appear to float.
(photos taken from same angle)
Design & Function
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The interior upper cabinets and open shelves were finished with black melamine (photo right) for easy cleaning and drama. |
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A high counter encases this slick Franke Prestige Classic Plus stainless steel sink to keep all dishes out of sight.
Its features include. . .
- an arched faucet by Delta that makes filling pots or vases a cinch;
- an insta-hot water dispenser;
- controls of the Bosch dishwasher are positioned out of sight on the top edge of the door for an extra clean look; and
- a convenient air switch to operate the garbage disposal (photo right).
Upper cabinets (photo left) are custom fitted with Matte Lux Annealed glass doors allowing its contents to add to the room’s decor. Shelves mounted to the inside of these doors create more usable space inside. The glass doors are a great compromise between open and concealed storage. The look is clean and uncluttered, adding to the room’s appealing modern feel. The reflective raised surface of the laminate door frames (Formica Decor Small Rivet #2063) reflect light and added texture and depth. In contrast, the lower cabinet doors are finsihed with with a matte gray laminate (Nevermar mxt-0037) for balance.
Every kitchen has knives, and storage for them is always a challenge. An enlargement (photo 19 center) shows one of our many convenient designs— a custom built-in knife block
Satin nickel knobs (photo above) continue the room’s reflective qualities and complement the stainless steel sink and appliances.
Innovative Solutions
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Custom crafted shelves (Photo below) are strategically placed to screen the view from the family room sofa and provide convenient storage for cookbooks.
Natural slate flooring is accented with polished marble to continue the contrast between textures as well as rleflective and matte finishes. 
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The mirrored backsplash (photos above) mamdated the electrical outlets, per code, be placed elsewhere. Our solution was to mount electrical plug strips behind the light bar on the upper cabinets. The angle of the mirrored backsplash was carefully considered to prevent their reflection. |
What about the laundry room?
Since our new kitchen design utilized the old laundry room, we used the previous kitchen space to create a more versatile utility room. A beautiful solid wood Anderson door allows direct access to the outside. The room’s ideal location offers a transitional space between outdoor and indoor activities. Muddy boots and wet coats, so prevalent in Oregon, can be shed without being tracked into the home’s main living areas. After gardening, the homeowner can simply shower and launder gardening gear at the same time.
Our designer chose Marmoleum flooring by Armstrong (photo 17 below left) for its durable and easy to clean surface as well as its design capabilities. A green product made from natural materials, it is bacteriostatic, biodegradable, and warm to the touch. It can also withstand harsh assaults from water and grime.
A curvilinear wall and floor imitate the artistic curves of the kitchen. Here, Marmoleum’s flexibility simplified installation around the curves. Marmoleum’s extensive colors and patterns allowed us to continue the contemporary, bold look of the kitchen.
Although utilitarian,
this room has flair!
this room has flair!
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Marmolueum’s vivid red and yellow colors (photo left) add warmth and drama to an area that could otherwise be dull and boring. |
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The Frigidaire front loading washer and dryer are built in 6” off the floor height for easier access. The countertop above is removable for servicing the machines. |
The cute shower pictured left features a curved curtain rod to complement the linear walls and to add extra space while bathing.
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