Cabinets run to the ceiling. With no cabinets over the peninsula, the main work space is open to the informal dining area.

A Renovation Story

We like to tell this story because it highlights several of the many aspects to be considered in a successful kitchen renovation.

This was a country property, and a custom built home, approximately thirty years' old. The homeowners were experienced in construction work, and had been involved in all aspects of the original home construction. As plans for the new kitchen progressed, they thought about what parts of the project they had the skills and time to take on themselves. They assumed responsibility for tear out of the existing kitchen, removal of bulkheads, drywalling and installation of the wood floor.

The original chocolate stained wood kitchen had served this family well for thirty years. With children grown and entertainment needs changing, however, the homeowners were ready for a new look. Rather than launch into an immediate facelift, they took their time to consider every aspect of the renovation.

The owners sifted through numerous layouts, door styles, finishes and cost projections, balancing and negotiating the needs and wants of each partner. For example, early in the planning process, they considered moving walls. After balancing cost projections for such major renovation work against the benefits offered, they opted to keep the same space as the original kitchen. Another compromise involved plans for a bar sink to accompany the mini-fridge in the serving area on the far wall of the family dining area. As it turned out, existing plumbing made this impractical, and it was decided that while the sink was not a top priority, the mini-fridge was.

Working within the existing space, the work area was completely reorganized. The sink stayed in the same location under a picture window. The stove, refrigerator and dishwasher were relocated to improve efficiency. The reorganization of major applicances improved the view of the kitchen from the formal dining area. After years of dinner guests looking at the pots and pans on the stove, the view was now of floor to ceiling cabinets. Much more pleasing to the eye!

Plans called for the removal of the bulkheads to allow the upper cabinets to run to the ceiling, creating extra storage space for occasionally used items. Additional lighting was added, including under cabinet lighting to illuminate countertop work spaces. The existing upper cabinets over the peninsula were not replaced, which opened the kitchen to the informal dining area - a space the homeowners wanted to preserve in the new layout to accommodate the entire family when they gathered together.

Several full height pantries were included to accommodate canned and dry goods. They were equipped with rollouts to provide maximum accessibility. A utility cabinet provided a recycling centre and also housed cleaning supplies and a vacuum hose.

A communication centre was another priority. Note the open cubbyholes for mail and messages in the accompanying image.

The far wall of the family dining area became a serving area and doubled as a mini-bar for fixing drinks when entertaining. Floor to ceiling display cabinets were placed on either side of the serving area, housing special china and glassware.

The homeowners chose our "Kent" door in Antique White. The cabinets were set off beautifully by a newly installed wood floor, a mellow yellow on the walls partnered with a green countertop with yellow accents that echoed the colour of the walls. This renovation was very successful - the end result greater than the sum of its parts. The kitchen projects a very "pulled together" sensibility - warm, comforting with a quiet, casual elegance. Even the bridge club approved!

The left wall features a number of floor to ceiling pantries and utility cabinets. Note the display cabinets and serving area in the background.

Accessible storage space was another feature of this kitchen. Rollouts and tray dividers were used extensively.

A closer view of a portion of the display cabinets. The counter area to the right is equipped with a mini fridge to facilitate serving of refreshments when entertaining.

The message centre was tucked onto the end of the run of tall cabinets.

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