ENTIRE HOUSE UNDER $250,000 PROJECT TOTAL: $206,265
Though already a great space, it was very important to the homeowner to not only update the appearance of the first floor but also the functionality of the kitchen. It was also vital to reuse and incorporate many of their existing furniture pieces, electrical fixtures, carpet, and décor. Lighting and better flow were also imperative for a family of four and to make this a forever home.
Before Pictures
To support an open concept, the two decorative columns separating the front entry from the dining room had to go. The casing will also be removed and the doorway to the kitchen enlarged.
Project Progression To allow for a larger and more function able kitchen, the existing pantry was removed.
To allow the exhaust hood to vent outside, a plan had to be orchestrated to get from the middle of the room to the exterior wall on the opposite side. The coffered ceiling and faux beam layout was designed around the location of the duct work.
Extra trim was added to the existing windows and door casings giving them more of a bold look in such a large, open space. Then they were stained a dark espresso finish along with the existing railings and built in living room cabinets.
When a homeowner refers to a space as a geometric disaster, it is apparent how important it is to change.
To keep with the old world look and to hide the many angles, 6 x12 douglas fir timbers were custom milled and integrated into the existing vaulted ceiling to create this dramatic design element. Wood planking was installed on top of the trusses and painted the same color as the walls to finish it off and hide the many angles.
The arcs over the kitchen sink and second window over the desk were designed to emulate the curvature of the trusses.
The Kitchen
There are several reasons why the homeowner decided to keep the island at bar height on the back side. Not only does it hide the cooktop and allow for more accessibility to the outlets, it sanctions the kitchen and living room to be defined.
With the anticipation of getting older, a lot of thought was put into the appliance selection and their location. The French door oven prevents you from having to reach over a standard oven door. The microwave drawer installed under the counter in the island is easier to access. The counter depth fridge prevents protrusion into the kitchen s working space. All base cabinets are either drawers or have an internal pull out making it possible to reach items towards the back. To maximize the storage in the island, the drawers to the right of the cooktop where designed at an angle for traffic flow.
A key critical design component was the perfect countertop to tie the entire space together. The National Treasure Granite was the perfect color of off white with espresso veining to complete the desired look.
The kitchen wasn t the only space that received an upgrade. The Old World look was continued throughout the entire first floor of the home. The current oak floors were replaced with Vintage Loft flooring 8-1/2 x 9/16 x 2-8 wire Brushed 4MM Sawn Veneer w/ UV-Oil. The homeowner opted to replace the floor instead of refinishing for a couple of reasons. The dust and smell of refinishing was a concern along with the fact the subfloor was unleveled and needed to be replaced. The new wide planks add character and richness to the space.
Fireplace Conceptual Design
With tall ceilings and an open floor plan, the fireplace s presence was almost invisible. Stone was added to the front and sides all the way to the ceiling. The mantel was replaced with a solid douglas fir timber and the hearth was updated with the Woodlands Ceaserstone mirroring the countertop from the Kitchen perimeter. Now it is the focal point of the living space.
Guest Bath Conceptual Design
The homeowners were very concerned about the durability of wood flooring in the bathroom. They also wanted to avoid a cave look with too much tile. The perfect solution was the custom wainscoting. It gave a unique look and added to the elegance of the marble floor tile.
The wood spindles on the stairs and catwalk were modernized with Tuscany Hourglass iron. This gave the entrance to the home a more upscale appearance. The homeowner also wanted to bring more metal into the home for more texture and to go with some of the existing furniture pieces.
There were several pieces that were reused in the remodel that had to be considered for the new space. The carpet in the hearth room was stored, cut down to size and reused. We happened upon pendants for above the island to match the existing iron chandelier over the kitchen table. Most of the furniture and décor was refashioned as well. Improved traffic patterns decreased the living room size and allowed for a cozier space.