REX 2004 Cottage-Style Transformation
If a home were ever purchased on the merits of what it could become, this would be it. While many prospective buyers would have passed up this old house after a quick glance inside, the new owners chose instead to act on a vision of potential – a decision that was almost as bold as the interior color scheme of the existing kitchen.
The owners, along with their two children, loved to cook, entertain and spend time together around the kitchen. It was obvious that merging this family vision into their new home would require more than just a paint touch-up. Plans began to unfold for a transformation. Aside from its unsightly looks, the cramped feel of the
kitchen repelled guests and made entertaining awkward. Compounding to this problem, an existing wall created a physical and visual barrier between the kitchen and dining area. Family and guests were isolated from conversation and interaction with those in the kitchen. In addition to re-working the kitchen’s function, the new plans called for a design in keeping with the cottage-style in which this 1920’s home was originally constructed. Careful attention was given to the layout, style and hardware of the new cabinetry and woodwork. Every detail was specified and custom-rafted to achieve the design objectives.
The transformation was nothing short of a miracle. The once-confining kitchen instantly became the heart of the home. The space between the kitchen and dining room was opened, and a convenient serving bar now connects the two areas.
Traditional inset cabinetry with mortised hinges and a painted finish creates a true furniture-quality feel. At the middle of the kitchen, the island provides ample storage space while serving as the central area for food preparation.
The new dining room is light and inviting. Guests can enjoy conversation with the cooks in the kitchen, while savoring the smells of food and drink being prepared before them. A custom hutch displays dinnerware behind elegant leaded-glass doors. Comfortable bench seats provide a relaxing spot to sit back and enjoy the sunshine. The newfound beauty of this kitchen space is a triumph of vision, planning, and thoughtful design. Though there were plenty of obstacles to see through at the beginning, one would agree that this view was worth the effort.