Northeast Ohio Full Home Remodel Series: The Kitchen – Blog #3 of 4

October 12, 2022

Moving on from the ample great room and sunroom renovations we shared last week, it’s time to head to the kitchen. Not only is the kitchen where everyone ends up at a party, but it’s also the hub of this family’s home and the centerpiece of their whole-house remodel. 

Kitchen Goals

For their new kitchen, the homeowners wanted a completely reimagined space with two large islands, plenty of counter space for prep and entertaining and easy-access storage solutions. To create a clean, effortless flow from room to room as part of the open-concept design, neutral surfaces and fixtures are used throughout the new kitchen for a high-end space that feels and functions just right. 

Let’s take a look at the before, during and after of how the new kitchen project came together. 

The Kitchen Before 

The old kitchen was outdated, closed off from the adjoining rooms and made poor use of square footage. With no island, it had a small peninsula that lacked ample workspace and functionality. Plus, with little natural light, the room felt even more cramped. 

   

The Kitchen After: New Layout 

The remodel included removing the half wall between the kitchen and great room; enlarging the kitchen’s footprint by taking space from the former garage to create an oversized pantry, powder room and larger laundry room; adding new, more oversized windows; and reconfiguring the entire kitchen layout.  

After installing a new load-bearing beam between the kitchen and the great room, we removed the half wall to create the open concept layout. We also re-engineered the load-bearing structure from the former garage and tied it into the interior trusses. To maximize the space and open the kitchen to the beautiful backyard view, we flipped the orientation of the kitchen with the working island facing the windows. 

Double Kitchen Islands  

To make the most of the enlarged kitchen space, two custom-built islands offer function and style.

A 6-seated island with storage and a working island — both use a different wood finish from the perimeter cabinetry for visual interest. For island surfaces, the homeowners chose quartzite in Taj Mahal Premium.  

The custom working island offers maximum counter space and houses the sink, microwave drawer and dishwasher. The back side of the island is pure utility with a sleek, handsome bank of cabinets for everyday storage. 

Custom woodwork makes the seated island look like furniture and features touch-closure cabinets underneath for easy access to long-term storage. 

Storage Solutions 

In addition to the spacious islands, the kitchen has storage galore: an entire row of custom upper cabinets, lower drawers with inserts and plenty of open counter space for a buffet. 

Plus, a massive walk-in pantry is big enough for an additional full-size refrigerator and open shelving custom-built for storing appliances, serving ware, supplies, food and more. 

Fresh Kitchen Selections  

The homeowners wanted a light, bright, timeless look in their new kitchen. They chose Silestone quartz in Lena for the perimeter surfaces to create a consistent look that lets the backsplash stand out.  

The striking focal wall features artisan tile work, a KitchenAid™ range and a custom vent hood.

         

For the backsplash, we used 3×6 tiles: Stone Tile International in Tumbled Travertine, Light Walnut. Using the same tumbled travertine tile in 4×4 with matching 5/8 x 12 bar molding for the inlay above the range subtly breaks up the backsplash pattern. Brushed brass pulls and fixtures are used throughout creating seamless harmony. 

A feature wall displays curated artwork and furniture outside the new powder room and adjacent to the sunroom.

Light and Bright

A mix of can lights, under cabinet, sconces and overhead fixtures strikes the right lighting balance for any time of day or night.   

With a place for everything and everything in its place, this kitchen remodel creates a living space that is comfortable and practical — and right on trend.  

In the next and final blog in this series, I’ll move on to the primary suite and highlight the exterior transformation that puts the finishing touch on this whole-house remodel. Be sure to check it out. 

 

Patti Saracusa