CLASSY AND SASSY...After the decision was made that this would be their “forever home”, these clients were looking to remodel the kitchen to accommodate their multi-generational family, as well as provide a space they could enjoy for entertaining, while complementing other areas of the home. With the addition of a new backyard paradise and full basement remodel a few years prior, a beautiful new kitchen in the heart of the home is just what the doctor ordered, literally (husband and wife doctors)! The existing kitchen was sandwiched among several compartmentalized rooms, none of which transitioned well into the other or provided any continuous flow. The awkward sitting room was too small to enjoy, with a fireplace that was seldom used. It was also cut off from the kitchen by a large, angled bi-level peninsula, limiting visibility from the kitchen while entertaining. The kitchen itself was dimly lit, and the cabinetry was outdated with poor functionality and storage efficiency. The homeowners wanted a more open floor plan that included a large island with comfortable seating, while utilizing the sitting room in a more complementary way. They just didn’t know how this could work. During the design phase, we identified that by removing the angled peninsula and small section of wall, we could re-purpose the sitting room as a complementary part of the kitchen, especially while entertaining friends and family. This would ultimately become a custom bar and beverage center, where a sitting area could remain. However, the small section of wall we would remove was a major point load that required a massive 20’ steel I beam. A small obstacle in the pursuit of happiness! The lack of storage in the kitchen was in large part due the absence of a pantry, but the basic builder grade cabinetry offered no viable storage solutions. A new custom cabinetry plan with a “targeted” purpose for each component would offer some solutions a standard kitchen remodel couldn’t otherwise provide. The massive size of the island would not only provide ample storage and counter top space, but also allow comfortable seating for three, without impeding on the generous clearances throughout the flow of the entire space. One of the most enjoyable parts of this design was the fact the homeowner wanted to do something “fun” with the cabinetry, meaning incorporating some bold colors in an overall classic aesthetic. This stunning new space now features custom shaker style cabinetry with a mixture of Dove White and contrasting Bold Navy finishes. Several unique cabinetry features include “dog rollout” doors, a disappearing appliance garage, drawer peg systems, touch latch and retractable hardware, and spice pullouts. The bar area includes wine roll outs, glass door fronts, and floating shelves. The Luxe Gold hardware and fixtures provide a stark, yet crisp contrast against the navy background, highlighted by a complex, yet purposeful lighting design that includes recessed cans, cabinetry puck lights, under-cabinet lighting, and decorative accent pendants. The simplicity of the Marbella white quartz tops and vintage subway tile provide a nice balance with bolder elements of the overall design, while the natural hardwood floors warm the tone of the space to make it feel more like a home. The completed project checked all the boxes, and the homeowners were thrilled to have a classy new kitchen and bar with a sassy fun flair.