NARI CotY 2011 Dallas Chapter

Residential Kitchen Under $40,000

PROJECT GOALS & HOW THEY WERE ACHIEVED

After three design meetings with the owners in February, two main needs were identified. They were both obvious; to fix a poor layout and update a bland look.

The original kitchen was small and lacked storage as well as counter space. So small and outdated was the original kitchen, that all the appliances were free-standing (including the dishwasher!).

An additional table was being used for counter space near the range and refrigerator.

The second need was to completely update the look to have clean modern lines.  Bamboo cabinets with full-overlay panels, Caesarstone countertops and modern stainless appliances were combined with brick-lay porcelain floor tiles and blue-green opaque glass backsplash to achieve this.

ENHANCING THE EXISTING STRUCTURE’S FUNCTIONALITY

We decided to open up the breakfast room to the old kitchen by completely removing the wall between the two but achieve a measure of separation by installing a bar-height peninsula turned to face the kitchen.  Like many homes in the area built in the twenties, there was a separate breakfast room adjacent to the kitchen which broke up the spaces. Together, the kitchen and the breakfast room would allow for ample space.  We also decided to remove the wall to the adjacent dining room to further open up the space and make the entire kitchen area more inviting.

We kept the cooktop, pantry, refrigerator and oven/microwave on the same side of the kitchen to keep from having to walk across the kitchen to perform most tasks. This kept the main walkway clear of kitchen traffic and safe from collisions.

We have four levels of lighting. The primary lighting is the can lights. Pendants provide specific lighting over the eating area as well as a design element. Task lighting is accomplished with zenon under-counter lights and the final accent is achieved with rope lights over the upper cabinets.

ENHANCING THE EXISTING STRUCTURE’S AESTHETICS

Evidence of Superior Craftmanship

In keeping with the style and desires of the owners, the design approach taken was modern-simplicity. To achieve excellence in craftsmanship, clean lines, modern fixtures and appliances and attention to detail were a first priority. In distinguishing quality, attention was given to the materials used and to the design and construction of the cabinetry.

INNOVATIVE USES OF MATERIAL AND METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION USED IN THIS PROJECT

The bamboo cabinets presented a unique problem. Special details had to be employed to ensure the bamboo veneer could be installed correctly. Due to the properties of the bamboo, we couldn’t just miter the corners or the veneer would have splintered at the corners. We solved this by rabbeting the end panels and had the veneer overhang the panel the full width of the abutting panel to provide a seamless but tough corner.

OVERCOMING DIFFICULT OBSTACLES

The most difficult obstacle was the budget. We had agreed to a limited budget before the design commenced, so every trade and material had to be carefully selected. As is the problem with a limited budget, careful supervision had to be employed to ensure the quality, level of service and schedule did not suffer. 

BEFORE & AFTER PHOTOGRAPHS