Like many others built in the mid-1980s, this East Carmel home had a small, closed-in kitchen with oak cabinetry and lots of wasted space. And, like many dedicated town residents, the homeowners had no interest in moving to find the kitchen of their dreams. “We like where we live,” said the homeowner. “We’ve lived in Carmel for nine years. We love our neighborhood and our home. It came down to a decision to move or to remodel the kitchen. So we opted for gutting the entire kitchen and starting over.”
Original Design: The original kitchen design included a peninsula and half wall that segmented the space into multiple small areas. An island with a built-in cooktop made for little food prep area, and a huge walk-in pantry took up a lot of needed space. The homeowners were looking to open up their kitchen, transforming the many small spaces into one, large entertaining-friendly gathering area.
Final Design: Removing the large pantry and the peninsula opened up a great deal of space for the kitchen. The new layout created more food prep and serving areas, as well as the opportunity to install the latest in kitchen technology. The ceiling bulkheads were removed and a new lighting scheme was included to bring an airy feel to the space. Updated materials, flow and functionality were the goals behind the final design.
The cooktop was replaced with a 36” free-standing range which was moved to the perimeter. A built-in hood blended with the cabinetry and created architectural interest. A white tile backsplash allowed the other elements of the kitchen to pop.
A larger island was installed with a hand-crafted walnut countertop, providing a much-needed food prep and serving station (as well as being a stunning piece of artistry).
New cabinetry allowed the homeowners to create additional functionality within their kitchen. For example, a wall of cabinetry replaced the storage needs previously served by the pantry, and ended up increasing the overall capacity. Built-in appliances, including an espresso station, freed up counterspace and added to the high-end look of the space.
In the original kitchen, there had been a butler’s pantry in the same space as the walk-in pantry. As the new design eliminated that space, a wet-bar area with a wine refrigerator and ice maker was added in the dining area.
Placement of the sink remained in its original location, as it worked with the updated flow. New windows were added, as well as a curved cornice and decorative columns, which helped highlight the beautiful view.
The homeowners, who love to cook, have found that their new kitchen serves as the gathering space for all to enjoy. Their five children and extended family members visit often, and according to the homeowner, “We can all fit in the kitchen now without bumping into each other.”
Just like these homeowners, you do not have to move to have a kitchen that suits you and your family. Schedule a free, in-home consultation with one of our designers by sending us an email, or giving us a call at 317-846-2600.
