Our Lower Gwynedd clients wanted to give their circa-1980s kitchen a modern feel and to make it more functional and inviting. This was a fun project for us that also included opening up the eat-in area to include a picturesque bump-out that connects the space to the new outdoor living addition we constructed.
Bringing a Clean, Modern Update to this Kitchen
With some creative designing, we were able to maintain the original floor plan of the space with just some slight changes made. We reframed the wall behind the refrigerator, allowing a full size refrigerator to slide back enough to give a built-in feel. The microwave was relocated to the island and replaced by clean, white cabinetry featuring display nooks.
Muted countertops were updated with crisp white quartz, accented by a farmhouse sink and gold hardware. A half-wall was removed between the existing eat-in area and family room, which connected the three rooms and provided a more spacious feel. This provided our team with the necessary space to add in a longer stretch of cabinets as well as a large double oven range and beautiful hood vent. To further add to the open and airy feel, we removed the kitchen window soffit, which instantly brightened up the room.
Custom moldings and trims add the fine details and craftsmanship that help define the bespoke aesthetic of this kitchen remodel. Other favorite details in this kitchen include the soft color combinations of white and pale gray cabinetry, the beautiful furnishings and accessories that enhance the fresh and modern minimalist touches, and the standout brushed gold lantern pendants and hardware which meld beautifully with the brushed satin nickel of the faucets and appliances, adding in a pop of glamor.
We made sure to add in plenty of small touches that would bring greater convenience to the family. For instance, a charging station was added into the new cabinetry behind the island for easy, hidden access.
An Eat-in Kitchen Space Made for Entertaining and Quick Bites
In the eating area we created a cantilevered bump-out providing a beautiful view of the new stone fireplace and deck and two door access on the right and left side of the windows for easy traffic flow in and out of the house during parties.
The cantilevered bump out also gave us the space needed to create another wall of cabinetry for a mini butler’s pantry. This wet bar and coffee-making station, conveniently located adjacent to the kitchen dinette, was an essential part of the final kitchen plan. We love how this accent cabinetry is differentiated from the main kitchen with mixed metal hardware and a metal screening accent for barware storage. Centered white open shelving emphasizes the cabinet’s symmetry between the cabinetry. We added an additional hidden trash compartment in this area to make it convenient to throw away dripping coffee pods without having to walk across the kitchen to the main trash bin.
Creating an Outdoor Living Space
Our clients wanted to maximize their enjoyment during their time at home. Beyond the kitchen area, it felt like a natural evolution to want to expand and rejuvenate their outdoor space as well. We love how together these two spaces were designed to feel like one unified space.
Windows, access, lighting and flow were all taken into account through our detailed design process, highlighting excellent craftsmanship in both our interior and exterior workmanship.
When these homeowners are enjoying sipping their morning coffee in the eat-in kitchen, they can look out through the large windows at their gorgeous covered patio and fireplace – and when they are outside relaxing, they are just a few steps away from the kitchen and wet bar.
We created this lovely new outdoor living room to be the perfect place for watching the Eagles games in the fall, watching the kids build snow forts in the winter, and neighborhood parties in the spring and summer. The centerpiece is this gorgeous natural stone fireplace complemented by a beautiful warm wood ceiling. We made sure this room was both relaxing and easy to care for, so we used Trex decking and Azek millwork to create a virtually maintenance-free space. Electric heaters extend comfortable outdoor time during even the most frigid temperatures, while the ceiling fan will help keep our homeowners cool in the shade on especially warm days.
We loved creating this amazing indoor and outdoor space for our clients. And we look forward to providing other homeowners in the Montgomery County region with an equally striking transformation.
