Scope & Objectives :
We replaced 4×4” dull white tile backsplash in limited perimeter locations with classic white subway tile, spread out from baseboard to ceiling cove, picture framing the large bank of windows at the sink. The use of gray grout in the bright tile backsplash complements the now painted gray island.
The driving factor of this project was to replace old appliances with new stainless steel. We carefully orchestrated this in order to keep the majority of original cabinetry while making modifications to increase the opening sizes for modern appliances &/or improve function.
To fit the new appliances, the refrigerator & wall oven openings were enlarged forcing alteration of surrounding sheetrock & cabinetry. This worked to our benefit, for example: a former wasted niche over the refrigerator became a useful & attractive storage space with a pair of new cabinet doors & face frame to mirror the others over the wall ovens.
We added hand-made cabinet panels around the island & at the ends of base cabinets. Some doors became new drawers, a pullout trash receptacle surfaced, with all door hinges & drawer slides changing to soft close. Every door received a new decorative knob & all drawers, new bin pull hardware.
The former countertop overhang had exposed white steel supports, which were highly visible from the sitting area, looking cheap in this otherwise high-end home. To fix this we covered the underside so that now decorative support brackets & panels are the attraction.
Dimmers added to existing lighting allow for lighting control & create ambiance. All the cabinetry, walls & woodwork received a fresh coat of paint, while repainting some existing pieces of furniture & replacing others truly finished the look.
By not changing the existing downdraft cooktop, countertops, hardwood flooring, plumbing fixtures, or adding additional under cabinet lighting, we were able to stay within the clients’ budget. All other seemingly minor changes described above served to shape the sitting, breakfast & kitchen into welcoming, timeless & engaging rooms.
