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.
Walker Woodworking When space is limited, it is valuable and greater thought is invested in creating a design that maximizes square footage to provide a functional space for the homeowner. Both manufacturers and designers alike are continuously thinking of new ways to give their clients the things they need, but using less space. One such item is the Murphy bed, yes, the one used in multiple comedy routines, but it has evolved into a stylish piece, yet remains as functional as ever. It is also comparable in price point to a traditional bed. Could the Murphy bed be the solution to your limited space problem? Let’s unpack exactly what it is and how it can help give you additional room in your home.
Walker Woodworking What to do when you don’t have the luxury of square footage? How can you create storage when there is not a lot of room, to begin with? Can you make small spaces work for you? These are good questions that we have helped our clients answer numerous times. While it may present more challenges than a larger home, it is possible to have the necessary storage for you to keep everything you need on hand. Small is not bad; in fact, it comes with multiple benefits, and a good design can help you maximize the space you do have to build a home that is exactly right for you. Let’s talk about some creative storage solutions for small spaces.
Walker Woodworking We always say details matter, and that goes beyond a project. Your home is filled with details that tell your guests who you are and what matters to you. Artwork, pottery pieces, and furniture are just a few things that give homeowners a chance to show off their style. Another area is hosting, and tablescapes have become a beautiful, fun way to share your own unique design choices with family and friends. Whether it is for a small gathering to enjoy time with those you love or to celebrate a special occasion, there are many ways to create the perfect look. By combining different colors, patterns, or materials, you can create a tablescape that will dazzle your guests, whether you prefer an elaborate or simple design.
Greenbrook Design Window treatments have made an interesting journey through the years in interior design. From floor to ceiling and mere window length, they have travelled the full circle of style. Today, window treatments can come in a variety of forms and options, plus they do more than just block out the sun; they can finish the look of a room and add the necessary touch that brings out the homeowner’s personality. Windows are our connection to nature and are an essential part of the home, which means they deserve proper consideration and care. They are also an area of the room that naturally draws the eye of the homeowner and guest alike. Most of the time, however, windows tend to be overlooked.
Greenbrook Design There’s nothing quite like the warm weather and smell of blooming flowers that come with springtime. While you may have grown used to cozying up indoors during the colder months, now you can start spending more time tending to your garden, playing with your kids in the yard, and kicking back on the patio while enjoying the sun.
But in order to fully enjoy your time outside (and potentially save yourself from having to pay for expensive home repairs in the future), you will need to perform some basic home maintenance. To help you get started, here are some key areas to tackle this spring, brought to you by Greenbrook Design.
Greenbrook Design