REVOLUTION DESIGN AND BUILD Kitchens: $50,000-$75,000 Minneapolis
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Our clients were frustrated with their small, inefficient kitchen. The sink was undersized, the refrigerator was located in a hallway, and there was a lack of storage and workspace. The kitchen was too small to entertain in, and cooking with their children was problematic due to cramped conditions and shallow countertops. In addition, multiple floor changes made getting in and out of the kitchen difficult. One needed to take three steps down and then up again to get to the porch or backyard. The dropped beams and archways made the space feel claustrophobic, and a lot of open space in the kitchen was used inefficiently. Our design solved their problems and created a very efficient, expansive kitchen. An old addition created many framing problems that we resolved to maximize the ceiling height and level the floors. The existing dropped beam needed to be replaced while still supporting the second floor cantilever that it was supporting. We used valuable space under the second floor landing to locate a curved-door prep peninsula built-in by modifying the bearing wall supporting the existing stairs and landing. Existing plumbing, HVAC lines, and electrical lines were all relocated to achieve the open connection to the dining room. Great care was taken to preserve the tile flooring, crown molding, and built-in hutch in the dining room during construction. Aesthetically speaking, we accomplished our client's desire to create a striking kitchen that connects to the rest of the house. The white enamel trim and cabinetry match the existing house and make it seem like the kitchen was original. The dark granite countertops and dark porcelain tile floor add drama and contrast with the white cabinetry. Open display shelves, cubbies, and glass doors add personality and excitement. A custom 3" thick curved black walnut butcher block countertop and curved cabinet doors makes the prep area a focal point. Varying upper cabinet heights add interest and make the room feel more spacious. Lots of architectural details (like the cove molding, brackets, arched toe-kicks, and inset doors and drawers) add character to the space.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: continued Improving functionality was the most important goal in this project. We included many creative storage solutions to make this kitchen use every inch of available space. A small shelf under the upper cabinet to the side of the sink provides an elegant place to store coffee cups. A half-susan maximizes storage next to the dishwasher. Large "pots and pans" drawers are located to the left of the range with a knife-block drawer above. The microwave is built-in to the upper cabinets to free up countertop space. The shallow base cabinet next to the back door provides file storage and a raised counter for charging cell phones. The prep peninsula features an appliance garage, wine and wine glass storage, and a space for their radio. The built-in refrigerator is flanked by a pull-out pantry cabinet and an additional pantry/broom closet. Our clients are very satisfied with the aesthetics, functionality, and value of their new spaces.
FLOOR PLAN: before
FLOOR PLAN: after
BEFORE PHOTO: #1 The dropped beam divided the old kitchen; shallow counters on the right side limited functionality and storage. The bench hides a radiator and takes up valuable space.
AFTER PHOTO: #1 The dropped beam was replaced and the ceiling was leveled, making the kitchen feel larger. The existing hutch and new kitchen blend seamlessly.
BEFORE PHOTO: #2 The cramped sink area had limited counter space and barely worked for one person. The dropped archway on the right further divided the kitchen.
AFTER PHOTO: #2 The kitchen now connects to the dining room; there is now space for the kids to help mom with baking; lots of creative storage solutions are visible.
BEFORE PHOTO: #3 "During framing" photo shows the structure hidden behind the beauty; the replaced dropped beam allowed us to raise the ceilings; lots of creativity was required to relocate plumbing and electrical.
AFTER PHOTO: #3 This beautiful built-in nestles in under the landing to the second floor and is very functional; the new level floor makes getting outside easier.
AFTER PHOTO: #4 Lots of pantry storage is just steps away from the main work area. The door on the right has a hook for a broom on the back.
AFTER PHOTO: #5 The cabinets step back near the doorway to provide more circulation space; the angled cabinet hides a folding step stool to reach the uppers; open shelves add personality and detail.