Spring cleaning is the chore(s) we tackle now, before we open our doors to summer entertaining. And often, we’re more-than-pleased with the results after putting in the man-hours scrubbing away the grime and getting our favorite indoor spaces sparkling clean; particularly our kitchens. But if cleaning alone doesn’t provide the kitchen look you’re dreaming about, perhaps a renovation is the missing ingredient.
Maybe you fancy new granite countertops. Perhaps it’s sleek exotic wood that catches your eye (perfect for kitchen islands). A modern design that incorporates hidden storage solutions and bold cabinetry veneer; high-end appliances for the home gourmand; a floor plan perfect for entertaining guests. There are endless possibilities to satisfy your wants, needs, and dreams when it comes to designing your kitchen.
Modern Elegancer
The homeowners worked with several firms that synchronized their dream kitchen: a builder/contractor, kitchen designer, architect, cabinetry specialist, and appliance specialist. Yes, lots of thought went into this design and the result is nothing short of stunning. Highlights include the teak cabinetry, granite countertops, crackledglass tops, a “stone forest” farmhouse sink within a steel-framed island, a wet bar, and high-end appliances including: Wolf range and oven; Subzero refrigerator, beverage center, and icemaker; Miele steam oven, dishwasher, and speed oven. Track and accent lighting complement the “industrial meets nautical” ceiling design.
Photo courtesy Kitchen Encounters
Renovation of a Historic "Galley"r
This circa-1910 home in Chestertown was in need of a major renovation, updating both aesthetics and functionality of the kitchen. The original floor plan consisted of small segregated spaces. Because the homeowners are avid entertainers, this project called for structural renovation— eaking down separate rooms (kitchen, mud room, laundry, pantry) and opening doorways. a “galley” kitchen layout was decided upon for this new narrow, yet long space. The resulting kitchen incorporates eclectic antique furnishings, flush inset cabinet doors, turned legs at the range, decorative furniture toe appliqués on base cabinets, a classic four and a quarter cabinet crown, under cabinet soffit trims, and more features to help the cabinetry feel more like furniture. In addition to new, high-end appliances, other highlights include porcelain flooring, jungle green granite countertops, aged metallic tiles for the backspash, and led under-cabinet lighting.
Photo courtesy 314 Design Studio
Contemporary Conveniencer
This is an example of how upgrades to an existing kitchen can transform it into something special. The homeowners worked with local designers and specifically chose a variety of materials that, together, create a warm, inviting kitchen. The cabinetry is natural cherry. Countertops are made of quartz and the backsplash incorporates several styles of designer tiles. The flooring ings the room together with textured slate own tiles.
Photo courtesy Cabinet Discounters
Special thanks to Cabinet Discounters, Kitchen Encounters, Chesapeake Cabinetry, 314 Design Studio/Lundberg Builders, and the many designers, architects, installers, and builders whose work is seen in this article.
