Wants & Needs
A residential kitchen renovation makes all the difference! This 1911 farmhouse kitchen overlooks breathtaking acres of mint fields and pastures. Several ill-conceived additions over the years created a disjointed layout that separated the kitchen from other family areas.
Cooking and entertaining in this kitchen was difficult. Ready to make it more cohesive and functional, the homeowners hoped for a new kitchen that would:
- be open and connected to their family room
- easily accommodate several cooks and guests
- offer ample storage and prep/work areas
- maximize natural lighting and views
- have an informal entry
Our team not only considered the clients’ needs but their dreams as well. Strong design elements, principles, and craftsmanship have provided them with a kitchen/dining great room that is sophisticated, luxurious, welcoming and functional.
Challenges & Solutions
To open and reconfigure the space we demolished the kitchen and several small rooms (breakfast, laundry, and powder rooms) behind it.
To expand the footprint a patio was jackhammered out, footings laid, concrete poured, and walls built for a small addition.
We designed the new kitchen/dining great room so it would be open and connected to the adjacent family room for a more spacious appearance, better light, views, and entertaining.
Innovative Solutions
This project required creative solutions to engineering challenges. It was necessary to remove two load bearing supports.
The first was a load bearing beam between the old kitchen and breakfast room. It was replaced with a new one that was hoisted and hidden in the upstairs floor joists.
By hiding the beam above, a custom range hood could be installed to improve lighting and ventillation.
A load bearing wall between the existing laundry and family room was also removed and replaced with a large Parallam beam, requiring 5 men to hoist it into place.
Design & Function
A single window above the sink limited the views and natural lighting.
Windows were added along the entire length of the great room to improve natural lighting and to take advantage of the views.
The function of this new farmhouse kitchen has greatly improved with two concealed dishwashers (one next to each sink,) plenty of countertop space, ample cabinetry, and two sinks that make prep work and cleanup a cinch.
The new wall of windows allows natural light to flood the kitchen making it feel bright and airy.
Beneath the windows ceramic subway and glass mosaic tiles serves as a beautiful backsplash.
A granite covered Sapele island became the centerpiece and hub of the new kitchen. Beneath the windows ceramic subway and glass mosaic tiles serves as a beautiful backsplash.
A roomy walk-in pantry with etched glass door provides generous storage solutions.
The informal kitchen entry keeps clutter from taking over the kitchen by providing places for mail, phones, coats, and shoes. Drawers, baskets, hooks, and shelves provide a place for everything.
A custom buffet with a lighted display case was designed in the dining area for serving food and drinks and provides both convenient and beautiful storage. The bead board inlay adds to the vintage feel of the farmhouse.
Symmetry & Balance
Blending classic and modern design elements offers the advantage of cutting edge conveniences and the warmth of a vintage farmhouse.
White painted Maple cabinets with traditional bin-pulls remain true to the home’s origins and are accented by the more modern Sapele wood island and range hood.
Uba Tuba granite countertops unify the kitchen’s contrasting elements.
Continuity & Repetition
Visiual Elements
Contrasting pure white with warm earth tones, light, and reflective elements adds interest.
- 5″ select white oak floors with a Swedish finish
- granite countertops
- stainless steel appliances
- two stainless undermount sinks
- chrome faucets
- modern and traditional hardware
- furniture-like cabinets
- natural and ambient lighting
- ceramic subway tile backsplash with glass mosaic
The glass tile earth tones and cream grout repeat the colors seen in the granite, wood floors, columns, island, and paint color to create a sense of harmony.
Results
The new kitchen:
- is open and bright, maximizing natural light and views
- has an eat-in dining area
- connects to the family room
- has plenty of storage and prep areas
- can easily accommodate several cooks and guests
- includes a multifunctional informal entry
Though this design meets all of the homeowners’ needs, they were surprised by its WOW! factor.