The clients were so done with the awkward layout, metal cabinets, the lack of counter space at the range and the cramped dining booth cut off from everything. And the kitchen was very cold in the winter.
On the wish list was an eating area for the 3 family members, 36" cooktop, wall ovens, large farmhouse sink and better organized storage. Removing the wall between the eating nook and the kitchen opened up many possibilities for including the entire wish list, and more!
To solve the heating problem, we replaced all doors and windows with energy efficient ones, added insulation and installed environmentally friendly lo-voltage radiant floor heating in addition to the recessed radiator. This new radiant heat product is rated for hardwood floors in addition to stone and tile.
With the appliances around the perimeter of the room, the center opened up for a wrap around peninsula dining counter. The large farm sink is centered below a box bay window bringing in lots of natural light and the perfect place for the clients' herb garden. Storage abounds with roll-outs in a tall food pantry, pull-out utensil and knife cabinet, double pull-out cutting board/ baking sheet cabinet and large deep drawers for cookware.
The clients requested a "natural organic scheme with some pops of color". The starting point was Fireclay Tile - an environmentally friendly handmade tile offering great colors and shapes. The tile design over the cooktop is a modern flower in the blues and green/greys the clients love. The engineered stone countertop echoes the soft colors while the white cabinets allow the tile and wall color to pop.
The mud room got an upgrade with a punchy red cabinet, charcoal grey walls, lots of hooks and grey slate floor.