Before & After...a 1980's Kitchen gets a makeover

This is what we started with…

The existing kitchen was a typical 1980’s eat-in style. The breakfast table was at one end with the cabinetry and appliances at the opposite end. The refrigerator and pantry closet were located on the wall between the kitchen and den. There was a standard size door opening between the den and kitchen. The appliances included the original wall oven with microwave above, cooktop, hood, dishwasher, and a standard sized side-by-side refrigerator. The countertops were plastic laminate with a standard 4” integrated backsplash. The cabinets were site-built and had been painted white over the original dark stain. The flooring was the original sheet vinyl and the walls and ceiling were painted sheetrock.

Lighting was also original to the house and was very dated with the large wood framed fluorescent and white and brass chandelier.

This was the problem…

The main task was to design a solution that would provide the most improvement for the least amount of money.  The kitchen was currently

closed off from the rest of the house although it served as a main artery by feeding access to the laundry room and garage, back yard deck, den and dining room. Improved flow with the rest of the house and transforming the space into a central gathering area for family friends became a priority. The current design had very little counter space. The sink, cooktop, and wall oven ate up much of the counter leaving less than 5 ½ feet of workspace, so more workspace was a must. Other desires included improved lighting, new appliances, more efficient storage, and updated finishes.

 

This is the solution…

 The renovation transformed not only the kitchen, but almost the entire main living level without much disruption to the home. By opening up the wall between the kitchen and den and replacing the breakfast table with an eat-in island the whole living space was transformed. The kitchen and den now function beautifully together and provide a fantastic space to gather and complete homework or to gather with friends and socialize.

The additional cabinetry and workspace makes the kitchen a joy to work in. Pantry storage is contained in an extremely efficient and easy to use butler’s cabinet, while utility items are neatly stored in the utility cabinet next to the new counter depth refrigerator. The spaces are as beautiful as they are useful. This entire renovation was custom designed with thoughtful consideration and integration of all elements including the structure and framing, electrical and lighting, plumbing fixture selection, appliance selection and placement, cabinetry detailing, new hardwood flooring, new paint, custom tile backsplash and carefully selected granite countertops. All of these changes were made for less than 10% of the value of the home. The renovation was completed within two months and it has significantly improved not only the homes value, but more importantly the family’s quality of life.

If you are considering remodeling, renovating, or adding onto your house; or if you want to know what is possible...contact me and I will give you design solutions you never thought were possible and will leave you wondering how you ever lived without them. For more information on this project or for vendor references please visit my Profile for contact information or simply leave a comment.

Cabinet Maker:  David Drummond, D Square Custom Cabinets  (864)640-3227 cell

Cabinet Finisher:  Joey Dill, Southern Coatings (864)304-7997

Hardwood Flooring Installation:  Ben Quebe, Quebe Flooring (864)303-6347

Appliance Sales & Installation:  Alan White, White's Appliances (864) 859-8208

Countertop Fabricator & Installer:  David Springer, Campbell Tile (864) 288-3371

Granite Supplier:  Robbie Rousey, Classic Granite & Marble, Inc. (864) 292-0784

Plumbing Fixture Supplier:  Carmen Runion, Ferguson Enterprises (864) 288-0281

Light Fixtures:  The Lighting Center (864) 268-4822