The existing configuration of the kitchen and hearth room were just not meeting the needs of this active family of six. So, we did what needed to be done. We gave them exactly what they dreamt of!

My clients wanted to update their family room. After carefully assessing the first floor of the home, we agreed that their needs went beyond new furniture in the family room. The kitchen did not lack in size; it did, however, lack in storage, flow, and function. Because of the Storage Shortage (try saying that 5x), pantry items like vitamins, cereals, and fruits were stacked on the refrigerator and tucked into corners, taking up valuable space on their much-needed counter tops. The original peninsula in the kitchen restricted access to the dining area, which required my clients to limit the furniture in the hearth room in order move about from kitchen, through the hearth room, and into the dining area.

The hearth room had the great built-ins and the original brick fireplace was in good shape, but the layout didn’t allow for functional furniture and their single sofa was usually only enjoyed by the family pup.

By eliminating the bulky peninsula that cut the kitchen off from the rest of the space, we were able to install a new island that holds a Wolf cooktop, and a deep 28” drawer for convenient storage and easy access to pots and pans.

A larger T-shaped island was installed in order to provide seating for eight and eliminates the need for a large dining table. In the middle of the island, 12” deep cabinets on either side provide extra storage for occasionally used cookware.

Creating additional counter and storage space was a must, especially since the original kitchen lacked a designated pantry space. By relocating the refrigerator beside the new double wall ovens, we were able to install two space-saving pull-out pantry cabinets. By removing the soff it and installing taller cabinets, the visual height AND the available storage was increased in this kitchen.

The original built-in desk area in the corner generally went unused and had turned into a catch-all for miscellaneous items. The desk area was replaced by a tall pantry cabinet that included a 42” tall drawer stack with custom dividers and a generous storage space above with doors.

A gray-wash with a brown undertone was selected for new custom cabinets, pairing perfectly with the darker gray Silestone Iron Ore quartz countertops. To add visual interest and texture to this space, a glass and stone mosaic was selected for the small backsplash area.

While still two distinct spaces, the hearth room now flows beautify into the kitchen, joined together by the new T-shaped quartz island. Because this new extension eliminated the need for their large dining room table, the old dining space is now occupied by two comfortable leather swivel chairs that double as a conversation space and as a comfortable TV viewing area. In the small corner leading from the kitchen to the formal dining room, we also added new built-in storage and buffet, perfect for serving and storing glassware and serving pieces.

By redesigning this space, we not only changed the flow of the kitchen, we changed the way the kitchen worked. Designing a kitchen that “flows” isn’t just about looks, it is about function! My clients used to navigate through their kitchen; now they are able to flow with their kitchen.

The living room was also completely updated!

After carefully space planning this room with comfort and ample seating in mind, the cased opening that connected the living room and the music room was filled in to define the space and maximize seating. The fireplace was refaced with stacked stone and the wood mantel was custom stained. A new sectional, a large tufted leather cocktail ottoman, two smaller ottomans, and a large arm chair with a coordinating ottoman provides this family of six with many comfortable seating options.

Like all of my clients’ design dilemmas, incorporating family heirlooms and cherished furniture pieces into our new designs is a challenge I embrace wholeheartedly. Because my clients wanted their home to be a serene experience, we kept the color palette monochromatic and simple. Carrying the warm grays throughout the first floor creates flow, even in semi-enclosed rooms like this formal dining room.

(Design Connection, Inc. provided: project management, space planning, countertops, tile and stone, custom cabinets, light fixtures, custom furniture, and all other installations)

This isn’t the only project we’ve done recently that began as a request for family room furniture and ended with an incredibly beautiful and functional kitchen. See one of those kitchens here:

If your kitchen isn’t living up to its full potential, there IS hope! Contact me and my talented team of design professionals today and set your appointment for a complimentary in-studio design consultation!