NARI Award Submission
This custom home, built in 2003, had finishes that felt dated and a kitchen layout that wasted space and limited functionality. The placement of islands created cramped work areas, hindering movement and efficiency. The downdraft cooktop on the island disrupted the workflow and led to poor ventilation, making the space less effective for both daily use and entertaining.
We are excited to submit this project as a NARI Award contender.
Creating a more efficient workspace
To create a more efficient workspace, one of the first challenges was removing a load-bearing wall. This dramatically improved the kitchens flow and functionality. Maintaining a dedicated desk and working area in the kitchen was also a “must-have” for the client, ensuring the kitchen remained a true hub for daily tasks like meal planning or remote work.
Remove & Repurpose
We removed a load-bearing wall and repurposed unused square footage from the dining room. This opened up the space and allowed us to meet all the client’s goals, including a dedicated desk and working area in the kitchen. Adding this space presented challenges, particularly in supporting the second floor. We inserted 24” Paralam beams, as specified by our engineer, to transfer the load from the now too-short open web trusses, requiring careful coordination and precision.
Improved Function
Relocating the cooktop from the island to the back wall of the kitchen greatly improved the workspace, allowing the client more room for food prep and serving. Storage was also a key priority, and thoughtful additions like integrated cookbook storage on the island added both practicality and charm.
The Final Design
The final design included multiple new seating and serving areas, pull-out pantry spaces, and a new cooktop location along with a new range hood. Unique Calacatta Meccia Veccia 3cm countertops were used on the island, combined with 3cm MQ Stella Gold for the perimeter cabinets and backsplash on the range wall. LED Undercabinet Lights were added for a modern touch, and TASK power strips were incorporated to keep the backsplash free of visible outlets.
Summary
A NARI partner provided the Kraftmaid Cabinets in Maple, along with the painted islands and range hood that beautifully tied the design together. The design challenges we faced included the 24” Paralam beams, as well as carefully excavating the post tension slab to relocate the plumbing, gas, and electrical lines to their new locations. The range hood required new 12” ducting to be run through the existing framing, as well as the installation of make-up air to ensure proper ventilation. At completion, our client was thrilled with the outcome – and was ready to put her new kitchen (and workspace) to use!
Thank you to our clients for trusting us with your home and our partners who allow us to do what we do! If you’re ready to start your next remodeling project, connect with us to discover how we can help turn your vision into reality. Fill out our contact form or give us a call at (512) 430-1002.
