Fresh Maple Kitchen Remodel
– CORVALLIS, OR –
Stainless-steel counters, custom maple cabinets, and beautiful handmade tile set this kitchen apart. The deep blue ceramic tile brings a brilliant color to the space, and the unusual tile pattern creates a sense of movement. The maple cabinets add a feeling of warmth, and the stainless-steel countertops are easy to clean, reflecting the play of light from the windows, skylight, and under-cabinet lighting. Together, these finishes make this room a bright, vibrant workspace.
More about this project
The tiles are handmade by Fireclay Tile and have a subtle craze or crackle in their glaze. Each tile is slightly different, revealing its unique, handmade nature. The tile color is “Aegean Sea,” the shape is “Picket,” and the pattern is “Braid.” A black grout sets off the white edges of the tiles, highlighting their unique shape.
The custom fabricated stainless-steel countertop includes an integrated sink and drainboard. The sink features crisp corners, a lowered center divider to reduce splash, and rear-offset drains to maximize under-sink storage. A discreet recessed drainboard slopes toward the sink, enhancing functionality by redirecting water.
A built-in shelf above the window provides a nice spot for favorite curios and mementos. The pendant light is actually an LED fixture with an Edison style bulb. Under-cabinet xenon lighting highlights the tile. Stainless-steel appliances match the counters, and the stainless outlet and switch covers.
In addition to the dramatic new finishes, the design effort focused on optimizing storage and increasing accessibility. The newly remodeled kitchen has essentially the same footprint as the kitchen it replaced, but it is much more functional and meets the clients’ desire for “aging in place.”
Dishes, previously stored in upper cabinets, are now located in base cabinet drawers with heavy-duty hardware for smooth operation. These homeowners love the convenience of transferring dishes directly from the dishwasher to the adjacent drawers.
A pull-out pantry-style upper cabinet offers handy storage for vitamins and supplements, keeping them off the counter while remaining easy to reach. An appliance garage with a fold-away door provides a spot for frequently items. To the right, the microwave sits at a readily accessible counter level, below a deep cabinet that accommodates the microwave’s depth.
The remodeled kitchen integrates existing cabinets alongside new cabinets made to match. The buffet cabinet is graced with a new Oregon black walnut slab. All the other cabinetry pictured below was custom made for this remodel. A cantilevered section of the new stainless-steel countertop (shown below right) offers a nice workspace for a helper or for reading a cookbook.
Marmoleum flooring, a natural sheet vinyl, distinguishes the kitchen within the home’s open plan. It’s also low-maintenance and comfortable underfoot.
A matching serving board created from a remnant of the black walnut slab, seen at left in the picture below, was made by our carpenter as a gift for the client. Its “live edge” contrasts with the crispness of the stainless-steel counters beyond. The cabinets above and to the right of the refrigerator were existing. The other kitchen cabinetry is new.
Carrara marble window sills, with their bluish-gray veining, harmonize with the blue tile and provide a finishing touch to the remodel.
BEFORE PHOTOS
