Refreshing Remodels
From a brand new kitchen that remains integrated to its historic farmhouse roots to an inviting space made personal by bringing in the owner’s personality, check out these stunning new kitchen renovation projects.
Kitchen Remodel by Jarret Design in Pennsylvania, United States
Before:
The dated space was a cramped eat-in L-shaped kitchen with tile counter tops, bland cabinetry and ailing appliances. A deep refrigerator protruded into the doorway from the family room complicating a major flow pattern. The owners, who maintain a large garden on the property, engage in all sorts of food preparation and preservation, so they longed for a highly functional kitchen. They also enjoy hosting intimate dinner parties as well as large family gatherings, so the space would have to make entertaining a pleasure.
After:
Quickly, it became apparent that removing the non-loadbearing wall between the kitchen and dining room would enhance the kitchen immensely. A work island with seating for two on quiet nights was planned. Space near the large windows was created for a farm table for 10, and there would be a nook for cosy seating. The work triangle, suitable for two cooks, boasts a large apron sink as well as a prep sink along with plentiful counter space. The owners chose a 36” range and classic chimney hood for sleek appearance and high performance. Since there is a sight-line from the formal living room, wood panels were applied to the refrigerator/freezer to create the look of a custom armoire. Many other smart measures to give long-term solutions for the space have been applied during the challenge of this kitchen remodel. Panel covered appliances for a seamless look between adjacent open spaces being of them. Now, modern functionality and beauty set the stage for quick meals on weeknights, elegant Saturday dinner parties, as well as canning the garden’s bounty on Sunday afternoons
Kitchen Remodel by DesignAware in Hyderabad, India
DesignAware is a young, multidisciplinary experimental design
studio started in 2011, with its base in Hyderabad, and virtual studios in Dubai, London and Dallas. This apartment was home to tenants for many years before the director of DesignAware, Takbir Fatima, decided to renovate it for herself. It is more of a whimsical project, rather than one dictated by a brief. So a lot of the design decisions were taken based on her preference and behaviour.. “I love all things old, and so the objects in my space are sentimental hand-me-downs from my grandmothers or friends, interspersed with fresh new items. Bringing down the barriers between spaces, proper ventilation and budget guided the design intent of this space,” she says.
Before:
This particular kitchen had too many walls. One divided the kitchen from the dining area, another one at the back of the kitchen created a wash area which Takbir says is just an excuse to make a mess in a
hidden corner. This cut off a great amount of ventilation from the kitchen itself. The kitchen is located in a corner of the apartment that has a shared wall with the next house, and very few opportunities for creating openings.
After:
So, she brought down the walls of the wash area and opened one wall from floor to ceiling to bring in light. It has a tall window that forms a sort of light wall. They also opened up the kitchen by removing the wall between the kitchen and the dining area, making it an airy, large, open kitchen. After removal of the wash area, the L-shaped configuration became a galley-style one. The kitchen is quite deep, almost 12.’ In order to counter the long movement lines along the straight counter, a floating island on casters was introduced. So that the island does not appear as an afterthought, it was topped with the same granite as the countertops, which also makes it heavy enough to stay in one place, unless pushed with force. The island provides an extra worktop as well as storage within, and also doubles as a breakfast table with seating for two people. On one side, it has shelves that are used to store her collection of recipe books, like The Geometry of Pasta, and to show off mementos such as her grandmother’s antique paandaan shaped like an Ambassador.
Impressions: Keshia D’Souza | Images: Courtesy The Designers
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