Kitchen Transformation
This project is the winner of the 2012 NARI Greater Dallas Contractor of the Year Awards.
The client requested a kitchen that blended with the warm modern feel of the rest of the house, provided a good place to entertain friends, allowed more workspace and storage space.
The working triangle was almost nonexistent. The first thing we did during design was to plan for the fridge to move across the kitchen. Moving the fridge allowed for the microwave and stove to be more centered. It also meant the space consumed by the fridge could now be used as workspace.
• Moving the fridge was a challenge because a water line needed to be run to supply water for the ice maker and water dispenser on the fridge
• A line was run from the sink area along the baseboard, across the threshold of the walkway, over the pantry then behind the cabinets to the fridge
The cabinets had narrow openings and fixed shelves which made it difficult to use them efficiently. In addition there was a corner area that the cabinet did not utilize. The furdown was removed allowing us to install taller upper cabinets. A lazy-Susan cabinet was installed to maximize the usage of the space. Clipped corner cabinets were placed on the corners to provide better flow into the kitchen and still maximize storage space.
Using the same footprint, we were able to help the client gain 30% more storage space.
By using bigger rectangular shaped tiles with neutral toned striping made the room look more spacious, and easier to maintain.
The backsplash was custom designed because it was difficult to find a backsplash that would have some color and personality but not look like it was competing for attention against the Santa Cecelia granite.
• We used porcelain tiles with a canvas texture as the base
• A centerline of trim that matched the cherry cabinets was used. It softly reflects the LED under cabinet lighting.
A challenge we faced was installing proper venting for the stove and microwave while still maximizing cabinet space.
• The cabinet above the microwave was pulled forward slightly
• A customized vent duct was installed behind the cabinet that serviced both the microwave and stove vent
• This allowed for all of the cabinet space above the microwave to be used and it wasn’t obstructed by a vent running through the middle
