Homeowner: Wants and Needs Sophistication and the overall feel of this kitchen remodel were foremost on the homeowner’s list of priorities. Reflected in the design is the client’s desire to avoid anything predictable, opting instead for a bold, dramatic statement. She is delighted by this European-style design that has a hint of retro. Typical of a 1970’s home, the former dead-end kitchen included dark, lackluster cabinets and dated flooring. The original kitchen, in the back of the house, was separated from the hub of the home. The owner wanted to fashion a kitchen that would become center stage as a gathering place for meals and mingling. Our design solution was to relocate the new kitchen near the family room. The laundry room and half-bath were in an ideal location for the new kitchen. So, we exchanged the kitchen and laundry areas (plans A and B.) The homeowner wanted the new kitchen to be connected to the entertaining areas, yet, not completely open. This required special consideration of spatial transitions. We used a tray ceiling and soffit to define and separate the kitchen. A custom cantilevered eating bar connected the kitchen to the living space of the home. The ceiling was particularly complicated because the existing ceiling joists had to be supported where the steps of the tray changed elevation (Plan CS.) Removing the walls and header would have necessitated a post near the bar to support the ceiling. However, the homeowner wanted the eating bar to appear to float and thought a post would be visually disruptive. In order to support the load without a post, a Glulam beam was maneuvered into the attic to carry the load out of sight. Another complicating factor was the main electrical panel, which was located in the former laundry room on a wall that was removed for the remodel. All the wiring in the house had to be moved to the newly relocated panel. While meeting our client’s concern of aesthetics, our Design/Build team also carefully considered increasing the new kitchen’s functionality. Bold yellow laminate countertops punctuated the neutral palette and increased food preparation and cooking areas. Varying the heights of the counter tops, wall caps, and eating bar buffered the cooking zones from guests; provided more serving space for entertaining; and allowed special built-ins such as a bookshelf for cookbooks, and a custom knife block. New elements included highly efficient, state-of-the-art stainless steel appliances; increased prep surfaces; and greater storage. One drawback of the kitchen’s new location was the lack of access to exterior walls for windows. To overcome this, we varied the intensity of reflective surfaces including a mirrored backsplash. This enhanced the sleek contemporary look of the room; created a feeling of spaciousness; and reflected natural light from opposing windows. The unique use of recessed and concealed lighting outlined the tray ceiling and added ambiance to the area. Our decision to integrate modern and engineered products with organic materials created visual interest and a desire to feel the textures. Carefully positioned lighting accented sleek cabinets and natural elements such as maple, slate and marble to add rich warmth and a connection to the outdoors. Our attention to such details generated a modern, streamlined design that avoids being cold or sterile. From lackluster to luxurious, this sophisticated kitchen makes a stylish statement that is at the same time functional and inviting. Our client is thrilled with the end product.