One of the projects I'm currently working on is a complete redesign of a 70's bungalow which includes a kitchen, laundry room and 3 bathrooms. The design drawings were completed back in October and since then the construction crew has been busy demo'ing and reworking the framing and rough-ins for the new layout. You can check out the the before and after layouts here. The new kitchen will be completely custom and has been designed to suit the needs of my empty-nester clients who, with the move to this house, are downsizing and simplifying their lives. The top photo shows my design concept sketches for the kitchen.
The architecture of the bungalow has strong horizontal lines influenced by classic mid-century modern design. The new interior will be clean lined and contemporary featuring lots of crisp white walls, warm wood and handsome stone. The use of natural walnut, calacutta marble, carrara marble, silver cross cut travertine and stainless steel materials will set the tone for the colour pallette throughout the house. I think its classic and timeless.
The kitchen will feature a balanced mix of materials; zebrano wood, etched glass, steel, and white lacquer cabinetry paired with carrara marble, grey backpainted glass, white quartz counters and natural walnut floors, all pictured above.
The cookwall will be free of upper cabinets and have a full height cararra tile backsplash with open shelves for dishware and deep full extension drawers/pull-outs below. The cooktop and built-in oven will create a continuous countertop edge from one side to the other. The open shelves provide enough space to hold 8-12 settings of dishes, bowls, cups, and glasses,,,or they could be left more minimal displaying a few select pieces. There's also space for dishware in one of the deep drawers.
The opposite wall will serve as a pantry/servery and bar area, convenient for servicing the family room to the left and the dining room to the right. The upper cabinets in this area will have steel framed etched glass doors and a luminous backpainted glass backsplash. (the sink has now been deleted)
In between the two opposite walls of cabinetry, is an island which along with a single oversize sink will house the dishwasher and recycling bins. The island cabinetry will be white lacquer set within 4 wood post legs under a solid surface countertop in white quartz. The knee space created by the post legs provides room for 3 stools. The entire effect will resemble a freestanding table placed over a cabinet. This island won't have the typical pendants suspended over top, instead the raised ceiling area in the centre of the kitchen will feature one large dramatic pendant. I'm still looking for that perfect light fixture, I've found two possible options so far....but the search continues...
If everything stays on schedule the cabinetry will be installed in about 6 weeks. I can't wait to share more photos as this contemporary kitchen comes to completion.
All drawings & Photos: Carol Reed
