Kitchen & Bath Design News is the industry's leading business, design and product resource for the kitchen and bath trade.
Issue link: http://kitchenbathdesign.epubxp.com/i/623962
Kitchen Remodel Adds Space & Symmetry IF YOU WORK in the design industry, it's hard not to be captivated by the transformation process – taking an ugly, dated or poorly func- tional space and making it look and work better for the client. While there's plenty of hard work involved in taking a project from conception to completion, there's something inspiring about reviewing where a space started – and how it turned out. This month, KBDN's Transformations department takes a before and after view of a kitchen with a problematic structural challenge that now incorporates symmetrical and function- al improvements. BEFORE — When remodeling a kitchen, Merri Stratman of Kitchen and Bath Showcase, likes to reach for the sky. However, in this case, the ceiling of the clients' kitchen was literally closing in on their heads: Due to roof line constraints, there was a dropped ceiling in the corner of the kitchen. Stratman's biggest challenge was being able to expand the kitchen while fnding balance and symmetry in spite of the room's structural restrictions. AFTER — Stratman explains, "In design, my goal is to always achieve form, function and fashion. The clients wanted the added kitchen space to accom- modate the growing needs of their family, while still trying to achieve balance based on the changes to the roof line." To do this, she began by adding a new focal point in that area: a large, white oven hood. Stratman was able to use the curves of the hood to create an illusion of lift and space that distracts the eye from the challenging corner. Another focal point in the kitchen was a new "work" island with a wide berth around it to allow enough room to work and have a comfortable amount of space to move about. The island features maple cabinets with details such as raised-panel doors, molding and beaded edges, gray paint with black highlight glaze and a cracked look to mimic antique cabinetry. A distressed walnut plank top (114"x51") adds to the Old World theme of the kitchen and balances the weathered ceiling beams. The second "sitting" island contains various forms of storage, such as a beverage refrigerator, a wine rack, plenty of room for dishes and a special area for the dogs under the counter. The island incorporates a gentler look with a simple raised-panel door style with gray glazing overlaid to soften and mute the simpler line of the door. To connect the two islands and showcase the antique look, a one-of-a-kind custom hutch is situated between the two islands. The hutch of- fers storage for wine glasses, collectibles and tableware. The white beaded board inte- riors contrast with the grays, blending nicely with the rest of the kitchen. Taking the space from 11'x16' to 21'x20', Stratman was able to meet all of her clients' needs. As she says, she was able to create a "warm family kitchen [that is] comfortable no matter how crowded it gets." View more after photos at KitchenBathDesign.com 46 Kitchen & Bath Design News • January 2016 TRANSFORMATIONS Circle No. 28 on Product Card