These homeowners bought their Carmel house in 1991 and created an idyllic family space. Their sweeping back yard boasts a large vegetable garden, complimented with fruit trees and bushes. The original kitchen was becoming less and less useful in allowing the homeowners to prepare the bounty of their harvest. Not only were appliances failing, the nature of how the family used their kitchen had changed over the years as well. When one of their children was diagnosed with Celiac disease, there was a need for a gluten-free food prep area. Updating the kitchen became a necessity.
Original Design: The original kitchen was quite large, but had a small island filled with a cooktop. A second, free-standing island served as a prep area. The adjacent dining room was being used as a second gluten-free kitchen area, with an additional refrigerator and prep area. The overall flow of the space was not functioning for the new needs of the family, and the appliances were in need of an upgrade.
Final Design: Opening up the dining room and transforming it into a true second kitchen space drove the design for this project. Expanding the doorway and installing double pocket doors allowed for better flow. In the main kitchen area, new cabinets were installed with soft-close drawers and plenty of drawers for increased storage. Moving the double ovens allowed for more contiguous counterspace. A large island replaced the original two islands, providing space for the cooktop and for prep. “It is nice having a large island,” said one of the homeowners, “especially when my daughters are cooking with me.”
Specialty cooking needs also influenced the final design. Space for the tall Vitamix, used everyday, was created in the second kitchen. An induction cooktop for quick cooking, a warming drawer for food staging, and an oven that can dehydrate fruits and vegetables from the family garden were included in the main kitchen.
As the main kitchen area was going to be used for entertaining, higher-end finishes were used in the design. Cambria countertops, custom cabinetry, and decorative hardware lend an upscale look to the space. The second kitchen was to be the prep area during get-togethers, so double pocket doors were installed allowing it to be closed off. The original cabinetry was installed in the second kitchen area, as well as the range, the refrigerator and the wall ovens. Expansive solid surface countertops serve as the basis for small appliance storage and food prep.
“Living with Celiac Disease means you must do a lot of cooking, “ said one of the homeowners. “At first, the pantry kitchen was going to be the gluten-free area. However, when we decided as a family to go gluten-free, we made it the prep and baking area. The main kitchen is the cooking, plating and set up area.”
Creating a home that is functional for all family members is an important aspect of remodeling. Repurposing the adjacent dining room into a second kitchen was the solution for this family, as now there is plenty of space to support their gluten-free cooking needs. Do you have a special circumstance that makes your current space difficult to use? Schedule a free, in-home consultation with one of our designers for some helpful advice.
