What’s New
We are excited to share this recently historic home remodel, built in 1824. This project presented us with some unique design challenges that we were able to overcome, resulting in a beautiful finished product and a very well-functioning kitchen.
Also known as Antebellum architecture, this property not only gives us an intimate look at how people once lived in this southern region but also shows the characteristics and style of a stunning southern design, which remains rich in history.
Design Challenge: The Floor Plan
Keeping the existing floor plan was not ideal for this particular kitchen layout. We needed to incorporate a washer and dryer into the space. Since it was an older home, there were not many areas to “fit” this in. Combining the kitchen and laundry rooms was the best option for this design solution.
Before
The current laundry room and kitchen were part of an addition that was built onto the home in the 1970s. Wanting to stay true to the original layout, we closely followed the existing design but opened up the space by removing the wall between the kitchen and laundry room. The way that addition was built allowed us to open up the entire area.
New Floor Plan
With the vision of removing walls, this was the newly revised floor plan, showing how much space we would gain and how a more unified space would be created.
The Design Process
The design process began in the center of the kitchen with the hood over the 71” wide La Cornue French Range. The beautiful callback to old-world style set the tone for the rest of the kitchen.
Creating Symmetry
We used the cabinets to create symmetry in the room by using two sinks under the windows. From here, we filled in the spaces from the wall to the sink cabinet and the sink cabinet to the range with the client’s requirements. They chose to use two large pantry cabinets on the walls to optimize storage, and we also had room for two dishwashers. They got a double set of drawer cabinets between the sink and range.
To recap, that’s two sinks, two dishwashers, two pantry cabinets, fourteen drawers, and no wasted space. Only custom cabinets by Walker Woodworking could have achieved this level of customization and given the homeowner exactly what they wanted and needed.
Refrigerator and Washer & Dryer
We still have to find an area for the designer column sub-zero refrigerator and freezer units – each is 30″ and a washer and dryer.
On the wall opposite the left window, we made an area resembling the furniture to house the refrigerator and a stacked washer and dryer, all hidden behind the cabinets.
Hutches & Farm-Style Island
Even with what we had already placed in this space, there was still room to add two hutch cabinets and a farmhouse-style island. Both added elegance and charm to the already beautiful design, not to mention extra storage and seating areas.
Once we had the cabinet layout details done, it was time to move into the next part of our goal: to create a look that represented an English Farmhouse style. The remaining finishing touches were mostly cabinet finish selections. With some guidance and creativity from our in-house design team, we offered the homeowner several unique options. Using the redesigned floor plan, the walls were removed and moved down to the exposed brick of the original home. Initially, the client wanted to use a shade of green that would have complemented the white she had selected well. However, we just couldn’t settle on a color that looked good with the exposed brick. Our next option was a shade of blue that could be painted and glazed to complement the exposed brick. The team at Walker Woodworking made a few samples using colors the design team selected and some photo inspiration to perfect the glazing. We will let the photos speak for themselves.
Completing The Look
For the final step, we needed to design an island that reflected a farmhouse style from the early 1800s. We believed the island was the perfect piece to bring in natural wood tones that looked weathered and aged, using quarter-sawn white oak and a cerusing technique.
We use it every day but hardly pay any attention to it, yet it can impact the overall design of the home. We are, of course, referring to your flooring, and its importance should not be overlooked or underestimated. It is the largest design element in the home, which means it tends to serve as the foundation of the look and feel in the room. It has the ability to make or break your space and is subconsciously the first thing we notice in a room. Since it is used consistently, it must be durable and functional for the particular area, whether slip-resistant or waterproof. Flooring should also complement the overall design style you choose and be carefully considered before finalizing your choice. Here are some aspects to remember when making your selection.
The kitchen backsplash tends to be overlooked during the planning session for a renovation, but it has a big impact on the overall look of the design, and it should not be underestimated. To many, it may seem like such a small element, but it has the power to bring style, class, and protection to the heart of the home. When walking through a model home or flipping pages in an interior design magazine, the kitchen always has a backsplash that often draws our eye. Coming in multiple sizes, styles, and shades, the kitchen backsplash has come a long way from being a simple surface to creating a glamorous highlight that immediately draws the eye.
Walker WoodworkingThis deficiency has led to a readjustment of space, a call to renovate the home, and to provide a more functional design for everyone. There are also other reasons motivating homeowners to reevaluate their current living situation, such as greater flexibility at home, an open concept, personal space, and plenty of storage. While kitchens and bathrooms are still among the most renovated areas in the home, new emphasis is being placed on four additional sections in the home, which we want to highlight today.
Walker WoodworkingYou love your home, but there are some areas that are no longer working for you, if they ever did at all. You have made the big decision to renovate your kitchen, to give yourself the space you have always envisioned, but it feels overwhelming. How do you know which layout will work best for you? Which style best represents you, and what wood type will pair perfectly with certain colors? The kitchen can be a more difficult renovation because it involves multiple facets, such as plumbing and electrical. Adding in the appliances, lighting, and cabinets decisions can be enough to make your head spin. Planning is a critical part of a kitchen renovation, making it a key area of focus, which is why an experienced designer can help you accomplish your dreams on time and on budget.
James Martin Vanities has not disappointed us but provided many of our clients with a bathroom vanity that suited their unique needs, and the shorter lead times have allowed them to get the upgrades they needed within their timeframe. Our goal will always remain to provide our clients with the best possible products that fit their project, whether that is a custom, semi-custom, or predone option like the James Martin Vanity. We are here to assist you in finding the vanity that works for you, which is why we offer a variety of options. Are you ready for a change? Come visit our showroom where we have multiple vanities available for you to browse, and if you like one, you can take it home with you.
Greenbrook Design