From a choppy split-level floorplan to an open-concept space with a gourmet kitchen, this remodel features a chef’s prep island, a second island with built-in seating, premium appliances, custom cabinetry with display and storage innovations, and light-filled, wrap-around living space that ties it all together.
The project earned Dover Home Remodelers 1st place in the prestigious NARI Contractor of the Year (CotY) Awards 2019 for Residential Interior ($175,001 – $250,000).
This 1956 split-level home needed an update. Walls separated the kitchen, living room and formal dining room, creating cramped living space with absolutely no flow. For this family of four, the vision was a bright, open-concept living space with a high-end, Tuscan-inspired chef’s kitchen.
The Living Space: Before
The Living/Kitchen Space: During
To create the open-concept space, we removed all walls on the first floor. Once the drywall and soffits were removed, all mechanicals were relocated and updated to code. Knob and tube wiring was replaced, HVAC feeding the second floor was relocated and plumbing was added for the gas range and sink in the working island. To maintain structural integrity, we installed a 24′ steel beam, an 8′ LVL beam and a steel column.
The Living/Kitchen Space: After
In the open kitchen/sitting area, we eliminated the window in the dining room to allow more wall space to accommodate the 60″ Wolf® range; and then tied the structural steel beam into the prep island, balancing it with a second column.
The Kitchen: Before
This kitchen was clearly not suited for a home chef: A cramped layout, little prep space, poor task lighting and lack of organization were among the biggest issues.
The Kitchen: During
The Kitchen: After
The new kitchen handles it all with style and ease, from homework to dinner parties and everything in between. To provide multiple seating options, a custom-built bench creates casual seating for everyday meals at the large island that features a dramatic quartzite surface. Replacing the window above the sink with a larger-profile unit creates a brighter space.
The chef’s kitchen includes a 60″ Wolf® range, Sub-Zero® refrigerator, a bulit-in coffee maker, custom cabinetry with smart storage and display features, hand-painted mosaic tile backsplash above the range and so much more.
