A Kitchen Designing for Family Gatherings

I’m especially excited about this project for a couple of reasons:

The homeowner is an avid baker – which hits right for me because I also share this passion. Designing a space that allows the family to gather was extremely important to them. It was also crucial to provide space for pies and cookies to cool.
During the design process, I was lucky to share in the joy of a new grand-baby joining their family! This happy event motivated me even more to help design space for them to create new memories.

Photo of original space prior to construction

In initial conversations, we discussed some of the their hopes for the new design. One was for a larger picture window at the sink (they love watching the birds in the morning). Another was a solution for the door to the dining room.

The current kitchen layout has a hinged door that swings toward the refrigerator which is less than ideal. When open it blocks a small free-standing cabinet tucked behind the door that isn’t providing enough storage for them. Their hope is to increase storage

We decided to remove the hinged door. Installing a pocket door would allow them to cut off the noise and bustle of family when needed. It also provides space for more cabinetry without obstruction. We did consider removing the door entirely. However, as their family and grandchildren grow, they find it nice to have the option of closing the door.

Design Rendering by Corinne Bentley-Morales

The Homeowners currently use the cabinetry next to the refrigerator as a coffee station. They wanted to keep this area but eliminate the outdated desk. They confessed that they always struggle with how to use the space and could use more cabinetry.

After some discussion, we put in a pocket door. We also eliminated the soffits above the cabinets to take everything up to the ceiling. The Homeowners hated the microwave vent hood and wanted a new range hood. They decided on an appliance garage with the idea of housing a rogue appliance. Alternatively, they can use this as a bread box. It’s a fun idea if you bake goodies but want clean counters.

We debated at the new larger picture window and sacrificed cabinetry for the view. Instead, we opted for some floating shelves to display her prettier serving pieces. We carried the tile around the perimeter of the window to highlight the view. This also gives a finished feel. It is very beautiful in my opinion.

The drive for this remodel is primarily about their kitchen. However, there were two additional adjoining areas that they planned to update. These areas are the mudroom and the half bathroom.

The main complaints the Homeowners had for the mudroom was the need for more storage and also the draft. The baseboard is hidden behind the current cabinets and obstructing the heat. It serves as a thruway space, which they use when bringing in groceries. There is an entrance from the garage into the space.

The new design provides ample storage and even some cubbies to tuck away shoes. There is still a countertop area for temporary items like bags of groceries. With the floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, homeowners should be able to tuck away extra appliances or supplies. In this room, we will remove the baseboard heating. We will install a high output kick space heater beneath the cabinetry.

The half bathroom is a simple space with a toilet and vanity. We went back and forth on this space a few times due to budget. The initial design we discussed kept the vanity. It matches the cabinetry and countertop selection from the mudroom. The design also removed the baseboard in lieu of a kick-space heater. Budget can make or break a project. In the end, the Homeowners compromised to arrive at numbers that worked best for their family.

I love learning about the priorities of my clients. I enjoy helping them make decisions that will ultimately give them the results they are dreaming about. This project is finished and they’ve been using the space with their family. This was such a beautiful transformation! They enjoy baking together with their grandchildren. They also have a dreamy view of the birds with their morning coffees!