Head Turning Kitchen

Hi y’all  I know it’s been awhile,  so let’s get caught up . . .

My good friends, John and Rebecca,  have resided in their dazzling hillside So Cal home since 1994.  They were kind enough to allow us front row seats for their spectacular kitchen reno. 

This photo is their original 1967 kitchen in all it’s glory.

Before . . .

Rebecca spiffed up their original  kitchen twelve years ago.  She painted all the cabinets Beach Basket White and replaced the hardware,  giving her kitchen a clean and fresh look,  but it was still her dream to someday have a complete kitchen makeover.

After first reno . .

Approx. one year ago,

She decided it was time to say buh-bye!

After some hardcore demolition the room was completely gutted.

(The exposed framed wall seen below is the same wall seen in the two above images.)

So began the designing process . . .

There was some structural work to attend to first. Which would include, raising the ceilings and closing up the wall to the far right,  while opening up wall w/ proposed new sink.

 Proposed new kitchen plan

 

and here’s what they eventually came up with . . .

I was inspired instantly by this dramatic kitchen and knew I had to write about it. Rebecca brilliantly selected all of the rich design elements in her new inviting kitchen. She resourcefully shopped and not a detail has been spared!

Shall we . . .

Dark Chocolate cabinetry contrasted by rich polished Carrera marble. The magnificent stainless industrial style six burner range is a gas stovetop and electric oven. The range was a second,  that she snagged. She had a few scratches removed and saved a big chunk $$.   I just love the continuous line of the cabinets all the way up to the ceiling. I’m such a sucker for crown molding.

 

Her previous kitchen had two small ceiling light fixtures original to the home. Now she has a plethora of recessed lights, under counter lighting and two charming drop pendants. She even had a new stainless trim made to enclose the microwave oven,  nice touch!

Beautiful paneled doors on the new family friendly built-in refrigerator,  flanked by two bright and sunny windows. Rebecca is quite handy with a sewing machine (among many of  her talents), and  whipped up the stripped silk valances in just a weekend! More on the valances later.

 

The kitchen now has two sinks. Remember back in the days when the washer and dryer were in the kitchen,  well this 1967 kitchen had just that.  When they removed the washer and dryer, they were left with instant plumbing for a second sink, and opted to keep the existing sink for a prep sink. The raised countertop above the sink houses three convenient bar stools,  perfect for entertaining.   She swiped her stainless dishwasher from her old kitchen before the reno.

The striking vein cut porcelain floor tile repeats the veining pattern in the Carrera marble,  ingenuously placed on the diagonal. We’re talking class!!!

New Sink

 

 

Existing sink becomes a prep sink, for fresh cut hydrangeas from her garden.

Custom built-in silverware drawer . . .

 

I added some accessories to the countertops: I grouped together these lovely candlesticks. The backsplash is Carrera basket weave, both timeless and elegant.

 

The Carrera stone countertop runs the entire length in both directions for a seamless corner. . . expert craftsmanship. Seen below in this back corner.

Between snapping photos we munched on homemade lemon scones. They were Delish!

I helped out with a few designer tricks. I advised Rebecca to hang the window treatments to the ceiling.  Seen below, you are looking at the backside of the window treatment. To create this look,  use 1”x 2” lumber with the fabric stapled on,  and “ L” brackets to attach the valance. For a more finished look,  you could first staple a smaller fabric piece to cover the exposed board.

 

Before . . .

After . . .

Photography courtesy of Jennifer Grey of The Old Painted Cottage.

A dream realized . . .

A huge thank you to Rebecca for sharing this story of their renovation. 

 

 

Source List

Paint: Pours Stone-Dunn Edwards

Refrigerator: Warehouse Discount Center                                      $3,000

Range: DCS Range, mfrd by Fisher Paykel Company                  $6,047

Backsplash tile: (eBay) Carrera basket weave                              $286

Island and Counters: polished Carrera stone                                major dollars

Cabinets: Modern Chocolate, flat                                                    $9,000

Cabinets:  installation                                                                            $1,000

Light pendants:  (Home Depot)                                                         $114

Glass/ installation in cabinets                                                              $225

Floor tile: Vein Cut Porcelain                                                                $622

Window treatments: Jo-Ann Fabrics                                                $80

Pantry door: ( Home Depot) special order door w/reeded glass

Sink faucets: Overstock.com

For design inquiries,  write to Laurie at me-n-you@verizon.net