Skip to main content

Home DesignBefore & 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 � 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 FixturesThe Lighting Center (864) 268-4822

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Home DesignCoastal Design Pt. 2 - The Crow's Nest

This next home was built by the Stokton family who bought a beautiful slip of land that teeters on the brink of the serene Fripp Island marshes in South Carolina.  The home was designed by Atlanta architect, Dwayne Stone, who was asked to take full advantage of the lush marsh views.  Constructed by contractor, Alan Patterson, the home has wonderful entertaining space and a unique feature I refer to as "The Crows Nest". Exterior view of the Stokton home on Fripp Island, SC Tall windows capped with transoms, broad overhangs, a satin metal roof, soft coastal green shingle siding and the playful crows nest perched at the peak of the roof make this island home a welcome addition to the breezy marsh land of Fripp Island, SC. Interior view of the casually comfortable living spaces The open great room space crowned with a vaulted ceiling and timber beams is surrounded on three sides by the amazing coastal views of golden and green marsh grass. Interior view of the open kitchen with o

Home DesignShould I Stay or Should I Go?

You bought a charming home on the edge of the historic district and you fell in love with its character and spirit. It was wonderful when it was just the two of you, but now that you have kids your priorities have shifted. Now you worry about the lead based paint, steep stairs, small bedrooms, and tiny bathroom. Should you stay or should you go? Perhaps your kids are getting older and that bonus room over the garage was fine for elementary age kids, but now that they are maturing and the bonus room is right next to their bedrooms you�re not sure it�s the best place for them to hang out. You want your kids to have a place to bring their friends with some privacy, but not too much. Should you stay or should you go? Your father passed away three years ago and your mom really could use some extra care, but your guest bedroom is on the upper level of your house and there isn�t enough space for you and your spouse to move to one of the upstairs bedrooms. You don�t want her to go into full-ti

Home DesignFrom Dark to Dreamy: a Modest Kitchen Makeover with Bold Results

Stained wood can add charm, warmth and richness to our homes, but it requires a certain level of balance to prevent it from becoming overwhelming, dark or oppressive.  The balance in this project had yet to be achieved, but there were elements worth saving that would help transform the space from dark to dreamy... Stained floors, ceilings and cabinets coupled with dark red walls made the space feel tight and outdated. While a small island formed an obstacle that interrupted the flow and function of the kitchen and didn't provide a large enough prep surface. The dual loaded galley style kitchen with center island created a bisected space with narrow working aisles leaving the eating area underutilized and inefficient. The existing kitchen plan had tight circulation clearances and limited work surface.  Foot traffic from the Foyer flowed directly through the working area and in front of the often used refrigerator.  It was not conducive to entertaining or accommodating for multiple c