Kitchens

This Spanish Mediterranean-style home situated in the Washington Highlands of Wauwatosa has distinct architecture, personality and design.  The home was built in mid-1920 and when the kitchen was remodeled by a previous homeowner in the 1970’s, most of the room’s character was unfortunately lost.  The homeowner’s goal was not only to renovate and update the kitchen and pantry but also to bring some of the home’s original charm back into the space.

To allow for better traffic flow, a second entryway was eliminated from the back foyer.  A new cabinetry layout was created for both the main kitchen area and the panty where an archway separating a small office was also removed.  This helped create a more open concept floor plan layout.

Inefficient windows were replaced with Pella Architectural and Designer Smart Sash III Series windows with between-the-glass pleated shades which offered privacy from the next door neighbor.

The existing painted millwork was sanded, primed and two-coat finish painted with Benjamin Moore high quality oil-based paint.  This was done to keep as many of the original architectural features of the home in place as possible.

Once the engineer confirmed the load requirements for the floor, the existing vinyl flooring was removed from the kitchen, pantry and dinette.  ECB & Anti-Fracture membrane was installed to control movement within the floor to eliminate the possibility of joint cracks or stress fractures in the tile.  18x18 honed travertine stone was then laid on a 45-degree angle.  A 36x36 tumbled marble medallion was integrated into the design to create a focal point in the kitchen.  The use of natural stone helped bring back some of the original character of the home.

A backsplash, consisting of 4x4 honed travertine tile, was laid at a 45-degree angle which repeated the pattern and material used in the floor.  To create texture and interest into the backsplash, decorative bronze inserts were clipped in.

Holiday Kitchens Autumn stained cherry cabinetry was constructed with a standard overlay and embellished with a Lancaster Square door style.  The cherry cabinetry and large crown moldings were materials and architectural features that were more apt to be found in homes of this era, thus bringing the space back to the original style of the home.  Blumotion drawer slides and roll-out shelves added to the functionality of the cabinetry.

Mechanical updates included electrical, lighting and plumbing.  A standing hydronic radiator was removed and replaced with a hydronic toe-kick space heater to facilitate the new kitchen layout. 

The original top-mounted stainless steel sink was replaced with an under-mounted double bowl cast iron sink which created more flow and continuity across the granite kitchen countertops.

Task lighting was provided through under-cabinet illumination and achieved by building a new soffit which housed recessed cans over the sink area.  General lighting was created by also adding recessed cans throughout the kitchen and pantry.

Upgraded Bosch and GE appliances were added into the space and as well Kohler plumbing fixtures and faucetry.

Upon completion of this kitchen renovation, the space was brought back into the original style and character of the home.  The clients were also happy that their budget of $80,000 proved to be sufficient.

This couple, originally from Wisconsin, made a decision to move back home to be closer to their children.  While living in New York, they purchased a home with a very outdated kitchen.  This remodel took place with our clients hundreds of miles away making the remodel a little bit of a challenge.  We scheduled meetings with the clients when they were in town and with their children when they were in New York wrapping up their affairs.  Email became a very useful tool of communication too.

The existing kitchen was completely gutted and the layout was changed to accommodate the new kitchen.  The east wall was cut down to a half wall and was re-supported by a recessed header into the ceiling, opening the kitchen to the dining room and allowing more natural light into the home. 

In the adjacent dining room, a wall opening was created to eliminate a closet and to create a hallway, thus allowing for a continuous flow through the house and into the breezeway and garage.

To tie the dining room and kitchen together, a custom-made China cabinet was constructed of Marsh Kitchen cabinetry in white.  Glass was installed in the cabinet doors to create a feel of openness and to allow puck light to showcase the client’s china pieces.  A hardwood top was used to match the new hardwood flooring.

A washer and dryer unit was a must for the clients; however, it could not upset the balance of the kitchen.  A custom-built matching cabinet was used to house the appliances.  It has concealed European hinges which allow the doors to slide back beside the appliances while in use.

An existing window was shrunk to leave enough room for desired cabinets and an adequate work area.

Vinyl flooring was replaced with Brazilian Cherry hardwood throughout the kitchen, dining room and living room.  Marsh Kitchen cabinetry included glass inlays in the doors in the sink and work areas to keep within the continuity of the room.

To match the new cabinetry, the baseboards, casings and crown molding was painted white.  Zodiaq Borealis Blue countertops were used.

Additional lighting was provided through the use of under cabinet lights, can lights and pendent lights.