Kitchen renovations seem to be popular these days.
HOME ARCHITECTS ® are doing several kitchen designs. Of course, all of their new residential projects feature functional and outstanding design features for kitchens and the rest of the house as well.
In one project, the firm is renovating a kitchen from 1968. It is small and cramped, has ancient appliances, plastic laminate counters, vinyl flooring and is separated from the rest of the house by a wall of shelves with bricabraque. See BEFORE image above for the Existing Plan. The solution was to demolish the existing kitchen entirely, move one partition several feet, and open the space up to the living and dining area.
New granite counters are planned, along with a large new island, with space for relatives & guests to sit and talk while the meals are being prepared. The island also has a second sink, kneespace for a sit-down work counter with computer and lots of food preparation counter.
The main range and oven wall is a mountain extravaganza, with a stone archway and stone-faced walls, to either side of work counters, on either side of the central cooking range and oven. To one side is a pull-out pantry and large stainless steel refrigerator- freezer. All appliances are from the same manufacturer and have large tubular stainless steel long handles (Thermador). These same handles are specified on the cabinetry, for a high-profile design appearance that brings the kitchen up to date and even in the future a bit. The result is planned as a timeless design that will look fresh for another 50 years. See the AFTER Plan for the improvements, that included direct client participation to evolve a solution custom-tailored to suit their requirements and wishes.
Alderwood is specified, as it is a quality hardwood that can be stained and finished to look like just about any other wood: cherry, walnut, oak or whatever is desired.
An interesting thing happened while designing this kitchen renovation: the owner decided to renovate more of the house, including adding an elevator, master suite updates and functional improvements, bathroom 2 and powder room, mold remediation, waterproofing, central HVAC system introduction and a Front Elevation makeover. The BEFORE and AFTER elevations illustrate how plain the house is and how interesting it will be after the improvements are installed.
More Kitchen Renovations
On another project, Soellner was faced with another aging small house whose kitchen was inadequate for the growing needs of the family, who was starting to have kids with kids coming to visit. The existing small kitchen and small dining just did not have enough space to handling the amount of people. And certainly the appliances were hopelessly outdated and needed replacing and upgrading. So, that is exactly what was done.
As can be seen in the AFTER plan, the kitchen size was more than doubled, a generous island added, the dining space enlarged and the outdoor deck expanded to the right, to give room all of this to happen. Wonderful new custom cabinets were designed by Rand’s firm some with multi-pane glass in wooden frame, internal and external task lighting, right over the counters where you need it, all new appliances and many other features, like a cold vegetable drawer and wine chiller cabinet with illuminated interior. Once again, an additional sink was installed and a gas range cooktop with downdraft exhaust, due to its central location.
To receive design assistance with your kitchen or whole-house project, call the HOME ARCHITECTS ® at 1-828-269-9046. Or E-mail: Rand@HomeArchitects.com