Dory Clemens – Design Consultant
The Project
This is a kitchen renovation with additional interior remodeling, including new iron rails on the stairs and balcony, and new tile flooring through most of the first level. The clients are tired of the builder grade kitchen they’ve been living with since having the house built in 1999 and wanted a kitchen and home that stood out in the neighborhood. The angled island is too small and the opposite angled built-in desk is too big and not useful. Recent empty nesters, they plan on staying in the home long-term and enjoy the space with extended family and friends.
Kitchen – Before
Kitchen – Before
Stairs – Before
The Vision
The clients wanted a larger island, more open floor plan, and to take advantage of the 9’ ceilings by stacking lighted, glass-front cabinetry to draw the eye up. We paired the white base and wall cabinetry with a dark stained island to make it stand out as a feature. The same pattern of Cambria quartz throughout provides a balance of continuity to the two-tone space. The angled wall is cut back and angled end cabinets on either end of the U-shaped kitchen anchor the space.
The Challenge
The largest challenge of the project was the 6×48” porcelain floor tiles the client chose for the kitchen, adjoining family room, foyer and study floors had to be imported from Italy. Tracking the shipment proved impossible at times, and we were left to just have faith that the 1,100 sq. ft. of tile would eventually arrive. 8 weeks later, the beautiful tile was delivered to the job site for installation. Luckily, the rest of the project progressed smoothly, and the tile arrival ended up being perfectly timed.
The Plan
The space plan includes cutting back an angled wall to make room for a larger island, which will be perpendicular to the U-shaped kitchen. The appliances remain in the same general location, with the addition of a prep sink in the new island. An undersized set of casement windows over the kitchen sink blocks more view than it provides. It will be replaced with a larger window to maximize views and natural light.
Kitchen – After
Kitchen – After
Stairs – After
The Results
The clients love the space the project went very smoothly, staying on schedule and budget. The one element of the project that caused a bit of concern, the arrival of the tiles from Italy, turned out to be a favorite design element for both clients and designer. Well worth the wait!
The Products
The tiles imported from Italy are Monogram Gray Field Monte from Mosaic Tile. The countertops are Cambria Berwin. A new Andersen arched-top picture window maximizes the view to the backyard.
