An older ranch home was often created with the desire to make a kitchen functional, and hidden away. In today’s world, we do so much more than just cook in the kitchen. The kitchen has become a showplace for beautiful features like granite and wood. This Praire Village home was ready for a kitchen/living space makeover; to maximize the usable space, and update the flow to how the homeowners utilize the space.
We took the smaller cramped space and transformed it from a standard galley kitchen to a warm cottage style kitchen. A mixture of stock and semi-custom materials and finishes were chosen to accomplish this remodel at a moderate cost.
Before photo showing the closed-off kitchen ready to be opened up.
Out with the cumbersome wall, and in with wide-open space! The peninsula island is the maximum that the floor plan would allow for. It works to serve up the daily meals and often is used as a work from the home surface.
We combined cabinet styles of Shaker and Recessed-panel cabinets sourced from Aristokraft Benton. This brand was chosen for its durability and attractive look.
Countertops in New Venetian Gold with a ½ round edge granite pick up the warmth of the warm wood floors. We reclaimed the original flooring, restoring the warm red oak finish. Wood floors glow warmly against the white cabinetry. Aptly named and chosen for the coffee lover in the house, the wall color is a latte. Eggshell sheen makes for easy touch up in the high traffic areas.
We used the multi-color Vellum/Natural and Wheat; to create a two-tone herringbone glass tile. We sourced the backsplash from ISC Gallery Lunada Bay Tomei. The Moen single-bowl sink is an under-mount. The sink was relocated from the back counter to the island. This was an added bonus to assure that the cook and cleaner of the kitchen could still converse with guests. The under-mount sink style aids in keeping the look of clean lines. Having a sink installed from below, with the counter covering the rim, allows for easy clean up for the homeowners.
Appliance finishes stay more modern in style, by sticking with stainless. They also add a nice contrast to the white cabinetry. To accomplish the modern feel of an updated cottage, brushed nickel finishes were chosen for the other fixtures. That pop of blue on the entry hall wall, is clever and makes the treasured doggy art-pop.
The previous lighting was inadequate to meet the needs of the cooks in the kitchen. We added many more recessed lights in the form of can lights. The drum shade dining light makes for visual interest, as well as amply light the dining space.
Overall, this remodel has made the dreams of a modern cottage home in to a reality. The space is now set to entertain family, and friends, in the cozy cottage style that the homeowner’s desire.
