My clients live in a mid-century split-level home that had a small cramped kitchen. It did not allow for the calm daily cooking and comfortable family gatherings that they wanted. When the wife asked me to assist with the kitchen’s re-design we created a list of priorities: More space and light, a good flow for cooking and entertaining, new updated appliances and the incorporation of some of their cherished antiques and family heirlooms.
We also discussed the formal dining room, just off the kitchen, which was only used a couple of times a year. After checking with her contractor, we found that we could successfully remove the wall between the two rooms and create the openness that my client needed. A new window was also suggested, to bring in even more light and visually increase the space.
So, down came the wall and in went the new window in the dining area. Wood plank flooring was installed in the kitchen and matched to the dining area floors, uniting the two spaces. A treasured antique corner cabinet was refinished, and a new cabinet was added to balance it on the other side of the window. The large breakfront was moved to the living room, where it now houses a collection of antique lead soldiers and other military artifacts, while table linens are stored in the lower drawers.
In the kitchen area, new warm white cabinetry, countertops and walls keep the look clean and open. Careful research into appliances resulted in a new cabinet-depth refrigerator, undermount sink and new faucet, wall ovens and a cooktop. Where a table and chairs had been in the middle of the room we created an island, using an antique cabinet base that the husband had acquired from a shuttered music store in town. It was very meaningful to him and had been installed along a side wall but, with a beautiful stone top, it now sits front and center in the room, with the new cooktop at one end. Besides being a great conversation piece, the island allows guests to chat with the cook while staying on one side, out of the work flow.
To complete the new kitchen/dining area, the wife supplied some special pieces: a framed sampler that her mother hand-stitched hangs above a small painted cabinet, while two of her mother’s hand-painted country scenes grace the walls. Next to the window over the sink, charming prints of birds relate to the view outside. Mission accomplished - a new open space that functions well for daily living, welcomes family and friends and showcases special treasures.
