Apex Construction Management, LLC Kitchens: $125,000-$175,000 Plymouth
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Our client raised three children in their home of 30 years. After the kids had grown and moved out of the house their lifestyle needs changed. They wanted a more open floor plan that allowed them to entertain frequent guests and family members. Their lifestyle changes called for a larger open kitchen/dining area, increased natural lighting, and improved energy conservation. We were engaged and charged with changing their spaces for their changing lifestyles. Through the design process, these design objectives were identified and implemented: Kitchen Upgrade: The kitchen was completely redesigned with an open plan. A new floor plan, lighting, cabinets, countertops, appliances and flooring plus the creative combinations of materials, colors, and textures came together to create a beautiful new kitchen. Open Floor Plan: The under-utilized dining room was integrated into the kitchen space by removing walls and creating a large open and inviting space with much more functionality that satisfies the needs of this client s new lifestyle. Strong lighting design provided more than enough light for a full range of daytime or evening activities. Increased Interior Privacy: The half bath and master suite were plainly visible in the old plan. The new plan effectively increased the privacy of those spaces with a minimum amount of cleverly placed walls that included an art alcove. Increased exterior privacy: The view from the road below into the house was effectively obstructed by the design and placement of the windows and kitchen cabinetry without compromising the amount of natural light entering the space. Improved View: The view down to the lake was dramatically improved by the placement of several high performance windows and a patio door along entire wall facing the lake. The lake is now visible from everywhere in the new space. Natural Light: Achieving this design objective exceeded everyone s expectations. Numerous large high performance windows and a patio door allowed natural light to flood the combined spaces during the day. The key challenge for this project was managing and balancing the conflicting design objectives of openness and privacy.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: continued We achieved this and met all of the design objectives successfully during the project. In the client s own words, we exceeded their expectations by 150% and they are extremely satisfied with the functionality of their new open spaces. They felt that we provided a lot of great ideas and options along the way and remained flexible in accommodating the typical changes and unexpected challenges during their project. They were also happy with how we opened up the front entryway and installed larger windows that flooded the living room with natural light. They are proud of the superior craftsmanship and fastidious attention to detail that is evident throughout the project. One of the reasons this project was so successful was the active involvement of the client. This is a discriminating client who understood what quality and craftsmanship meant and who knew exactly what they wanted. We satisfied their requirements and delivered a great client experience that enhanced their quality of life at home.
FLOOR PLAN: before
FLOOR PLAN: after
BEFORE PHOTO: #1 The existing kitchen was very cramped and dark. It no longer served the changing lifestyle needs of the client who wanted to invite guests over and entertain them more often.
AFTER PHOTO: #1 The new kitchen/dining area was reconfigured into a two cook work triangle to promote active guest participation. A second prep counter overlooks the lake. Natural light floods the new space.
BEFORE PHOTO: #2 This kitchen worked fine for raising children. Now that their lifestyles have changed, the client wanted to update the kitchen and create a more open floor plan with better lighting.
AFTER PHOTO: #2 Mission accomplished! We now have a two cook kitchen with enough room to entertain a couple dozen guests at the same time. The new open, airy space is very inviting.
BEFORE PHOTO: #3 Entrance was gained to the underutilized formal dining room by walking down a hall and through a doorway. It separated the cook from their family and guests and didn t work.
AFTER PHOTO: #3 The new dining area is now part of the kitchen space and receives abundant natural light. There is plenty of storage in the new buffet. This window overlooks the lake.
AFTER PHOTO: #4 Two work triangles were integrated with plenty of storage for frequently used items. We repeated client s arch concept throughout the project. This kitchen serves the client s new lifestyle very well.
AFTER PHOTO: #5 A walk in pantry provides additional kitchen storage space. The art alcove creates an interesting focal point in an otherwise blank wall and invites guests to explore a little further.