Kitchen Design Partners recently had the opportunity to work with M.W. Carlson, Ltd. on a custom kitchen remodel in a lovely, vintage home in Glencoe, right across from Lake Michigan. Like many older houses, the original kitchen was cut off from the rest of the home. The original kitchen was charming, but dated and worn. The countertops were made of tile with grout lines. The wall between the kitchen and breakfast room made the room feel closed and cramped. There was an extremely tight work zone where the sink, dishwasher, pantry and refrigerator competed for space with the center island. When the dishwasher door was opened, it blocked off access to the pantry, fridge and island. We were tasked with opening up the kitchen, spreading out the work zones, and updating the style. This was challenging because the kitchen has two windows, a range that couldn’t be moved, a skylight, and support beams. The team was up to the challenge. Just look at the difference!
A Functional Design
We removed the wall previously housing the pantry and refrigerator and changed that area to a functional peninsula opening to the breakfast room beyond. New transitional style Holiday Kitchens perimeter cabinets in Nordic white with Cambria Ella countertops help brighten and enlarge the space. The bulky range hood and large beam above the range were replaced with a matching cabinetry hood with a blower insert. Matching decorative beams are throughout the custom kitchen and breakfast room. The beams blend perfectly with the cabinets and provide a cohesive, open space.
The refrigerator is now on the opposite wall. A slightly smaller island is a better fit for the space, making more room in the previously tight corner. The sink and dishwasher are also out of the tight corner space, completely eliminating the bottleneck. The new white farmhouse sink is now off-center from the window above but has a beautiful balance with a white dishwasher panel and light countertops. The dishwasher can open freely without blocking access to surrounding cabinets or the island.
Next, the new island has double waste cabinet for garbage and recycling, storage cabinets and a microwave cabinet. The maple wood of the island contrasts beautifully from the white perimeter cabinets with a granite stain and graphite wash. The gorgeous Cambria Ella countertop overhangs seating for three on the back of the island. A new wall of white cabinets with antique brass wire mesh grill inserts now functions as the pantry. For example, dry goods, glassware and cookbooks are put in this area. Terracotta backsplash tiles by Tabarka Studio from their Mediterranean collection add a splash of color and style.
A Stunning Custom Kitchen
The new custom kitchen is simply stunning from every angle! By taking down the old wall, the new open and airy design allows full access to the breakfast room as well as views of the dining room, patio, and a wine bar beyond. The decorative beams bring it all together. Notice how the previously square skylight was painstakingly remodeled with one of the new decorative ceiling beams by the talented team at M.W. Carlson.
Wine and Dine
We were also able to add a wine bar in a hallway leading to the den. The wine bar cabinetry finish matches the island. Glass upper cabinet doors display liquors and glassware while stemware is easily accessible in built-in stemware holders. Two wine bottle niches complete the upper cabinets with more storage beneath the countertops.
Stylish Appliances
Overall, this kitchen really showcases the styling and functionality of cabinetry appliance panels and organizing inserts. The homeowners selected GE Monogram appliances throughout the kitchen. The refrigerator and dishwasher have panels for a beautiful built-in look. Narrow pullout cabinets with custom inserts on each side of the range offer convenient storage for frequently used cookware, oils and spices. The stylish pot filler over the range adds convenience and ease.
Accessible Spaces
Two corner unit lazy susan cabinets turn inaccessible corners into functional, easily accessible deep storage spaces. Additionally, a deep drawer with a dinnerware insert keeps heavy dishes at a convenient height and a custom utensil divider organizes their favorite utensils.
From the major redesign to the decorative details and functional accessories, this kitchen project was so satisfying to see through completion. The homeowners are in love with their beautiful new open and airy kitchen. One shared “The design is both functional and beautiful and I love my Cambria countertops and Holiday Kitchen cabinets!” We wish them years of delicious meals and family time in their renovated space.
