NARI CotY "Merit" Award Winner 2006

Brief Explanation of the Scope of Work

The homeowners wanted a larger, more functional, better lit and more welcoming kitchen with good traffic flow, higher end finishes and a comfortable eating area for their growing family. They also loved to entertain.

Unusual Constraints/Challenges & Creative Solutions

As part of a family room-kitchen extension, we opened up the back of the house and extended the kitchen to provide a generous space for informal dining. The eat-in area is surrounded with windows which takes advantage of the landscaped back yard. We removed the wall between the kitchen and the family room and installed columns to open up and define the spaces

The largest challenge was that a second floor room had to be supported while the new kitchen addition was constructed beneath.

By adding a door in the location of an existing closet, we provided an option for traffic flow from the front hallway directly into the kitchen rather than simply through the living room. Recessed speakers allow music to flow seamlessly between spaces.

The existing kitchen had white cabinets and white walls, a dark floor and dark counters and a dropped ceiling and bulkheads which made for a grey and oppressive space. The Cherry cabinetry, light ceramic tile floor and glass tile backsplash, three piece crown moldings and stainless steel appliances make for a bright and inviting space. New skylights and Pella windows add plenty of natural light while recessed and pendant lights illuminate the space after dark.

Special care was taken to level the new and old floors along with the existing walls. This insured an excellent kitchen installation. Careful attention to detail was also taken when installing the moldings, tile work, appliances and stone counters. The painting crew was pushed to perfection. In the photographs you will also notice that the recessed lighting was thoughtfully aligned to accent the skylights down the middle of the kitchen.

The steel columns were concealed within carefully crafted trim. A custom glass counter at the pass through contrasts the granite below it and provides not only a visual focal point but a comfortable place to sit and have breakfast.

Overall Results

The homeowners are very happy in their new large eat-in kitchen and are able to wow their frequent dinner guests with the new space.