Kitchen/Dinette in Brazilian Cherry and Enamel

Structure: Ranch Style Rambler

Originally Built: 1970s

Situation: The Kitchen, Dinette, and Hearth Room were all incorporated into one long, narrow space at the back of the house. The kitchen especially, was quite small and cramped for more than one person at a time. The dinette area also serves as the Back Entry from the garage.

Objective: The main concern was updating and getting the maximum amount of useable space from the kitchen area. The Dinette and Hearth areas were to feel more complementary with the kitchen than the previous layout.

Solution: The peninsula is moved two feet further into the dinette and the kitchen step-up is bumped out to match. The step is fashioned into a gentle radius to soften its presence and to accommodate traffic from both the dinette, the basement stair, and back entry. In turn, the dinette and hearth area are more combined to create one Hearth style informal dining area. Square footage is added to the plan without any additional footprint to the house by extending the floor further over the stairwell than previous. It serves as efficient space usage by having the large refrigerator, the new pantry, and even a small desk in this tucked-in area. The range and dishwasher are relocated to better suit kitchen efficiency. The new, bumped out peninsula incorporates an overhang of the SileStone® counters to make for a Breakfast Bar.

Outcome: A complete kitchen transformation. The kitchen has been expanded and more efficiently used, as well as, receiving a much needed update in enameled maple cabinetry, stainless appliances, an apron-style sink, and of course the SileStone® counters. The Brazilian Cherry floor runs throughout, making both the Kitchen and new Hearth Dining Room seem larger than they are. The railing at the stair has been designed to match the cabinetry and been given weighted, heavy look to make it stand out. The rich colors and elegant enamel make the space comforting and calming to those using it everyday.

Launch the Slideshow to see the progression and final results!