Kitchens Over $100,000 Plekkenpol Builders, Inc.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Built in the 1960s, this beautiful home located in the heart of Edina was badly in need of a kitchen update. Mauve wallpaper and wood paneling just weren't capturing the open, bright and modern feel the family desired. There wasn't enough storage, and one whole wall was consumed by a rarely used wood-burning fireplace. In addition, the homeowners desired an eat-in kitchen that capitalized on the beautiful outdoor views. Because they love entertaining, they wanted a custom bar...but there was no space for it and not enough room for guests. The solution was a kitchen overhaul, complete with white enameled custom cabinets, stainless steel Thermador appliances, granite countertops, ceramic tile backsplash, LED lighting and red oak hardwood floors. An enlarged bay picture window overlooks the pond below, and a rounded peninsula island with seating provides a convenient and casual area for the family to dine while enjoying the view. Time-saving appliances include a new wall oven, warming drawer, steam oven and built-in microdrawer. A new wall of cabinetry houses a larger pantry with customized storage including pull-out recycling and dog food containers. Since the homeowner wasn t baking as much as she d like because her mixer was too heavy to drag out, a tip-up mixer stand was added. Removing the fireplace proved to be a challenge. There were actually three fireplaces in the home and three adjacent chimney flues. Care needed to be taken to remove the kitchen fireplace and add the wall ovens and refrigerator, without compromising the two remaining fireplaces. To provide room for the custom bar, a smaller pantry and hall closet were eliminated. This also opened up the foyer and created new sightlines from the front of the home to the back, making the home appear much larger and more spacious. "From the first meeting to the final day, working with Plekkenpol Builders has been a joy and a privilege," said the homeowner. "I wouldn't do business with anyone else."
FLOOR PLAN: before
FLOOR PLAN: a(er
BEFORE PHOTO: #1 The kitchen felt dark and closed off. Interior lighting was poor. The double-hung panels on the bay window were cutting off the view, and the window itself was too small.
AFTER PHOTO: #1 LED recessed can and under cabinet lighting dramatically brightens the room. The bay window was enlarged and converted to a picture window with casements to capitalize on views.
BEFORE PHOTO: #2 The kitchen, with its mauve wallpaper and dated cabinetry, was desperately in need of cosmetic updates.
AFTER PHOTO: #2 The kitchen was updated with white enameled custom cabinets, stainless appliances, granite countertops and ceramic tile backsplash. The rounded peninsula island with seating provides the eat-in area the family desired.
BEFORE PHOTO: #3 The existing masonry needed to be removed, a challenge due to the remaining two adjacent fireplaces in the home.
AFTER PHOTO: #3 What fireplace? The wall now houses a French door custom panel refrigerator, stainless steel oven, warming drawer and steam oven.
AFTER PHOTO: #4 Both the refrigerator and the range were relocated for better flow and efficiency. The range features an inset staggered stone accent tile perfect for storing spices and utensils.
AFTER PHOTO: #5 A French casemaster window replaces the small double-hung window over the sink to draw in light and provide a completely unobstructed view of the scenic backyard.
AFTER PHOTO: #6 Relocating the pantry opened up space for the stunning new bar with retractable doors, a lighted onyx bar top, antiqued mirror backsplash and built-in wine rack.
AFTER PHOTO: #7 Removing the pantry and front closet created new sightlines from the front of the home to the back, making the home appear much larger without adding any space.