Serving as the family's main living and gathering area, the first floor includes -
in order of progression - foyer/dining room, kitchen with basement access,
powder room and an addition to the house which contains a den with yard access.
As a centrally located room which is visible upon entering the house,
the kitchen had to be comfortable yet practical, elegant yet casual enough for small children. It also needed to serve as a unifying factor amongst the interconnected rooms on the first floor.
Starting from the bottom up, the wood floor was in disrepair.
Since it was the original sub-floor to the house, we were able to install a new floor on top of it, made of sustainable cork tile. This aspect of the design also provides a smooth transition between all the rooms and unifies them via a common material.
Kitchen cabinets are warm wood with clear glass inserts in key locations to keep them lightweight.
Under cabinet fixtures provide excellent task lighting at the counters.
The centrally-located island provides a generous work space and doubles as an eat-at counter for the entire family. This feature is topped with sumptuous walnut butcher-block in a natural, oiled finish for 100% functionality.
Quartz countertops serve as the perfect color compliment to the walnut in a delicious shade of deep chocolate. The company who makes this particular composite material is one of the few manufacturers located in the US, making it an environmentally-responsible choice that requires less fuel for transportation.
The backsplash in cream-colored subway tile lends an old-world feeling,
while providing a durable surface that can be easily wiped clean.
And to top it all off, recessed halogen fixtures bathe the entire space in energy-efficient, color complimenting light.
The fireplace is an important historic focal point in this room and it was clear to me that this original feature should be preserved and utilized.
A gas line was already in place and the old flue was used as a means by which to exhaust a new vented hood for the cooktop. Several new details were custom-made to fit the opening, such as the countertop and a glowing stainless steel backsplash. Base cabinets fit neatly inside and include roll-out racks and drawers for spices, bottles, pots and pans.
The gas cooktop and externally vented hood provide a functional cooking area which is unique, well lit, fully ventilated and lovely to behold.
Still the heart of the home, the original fireplace has been transformed into a modern cooking area for the present day cook.
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