Tiny Kitchen for Small Cakes – Capitol Hill AWARD: REX AWARD for Kitchen Excellence Description Remodel of a boat-like, early 20th Century, condo kitchen that fits one small person who is dedicated to making small cakes. Challenge We encountered a small, four-unit condo building with colonial Spanish architecture that doesn’t allow intrusion into existing structures. Limited space existed for kitchen with nowhere to move or expand. Our entrepreneur client was also on a budget. To keep costs down, we had the challenge of not moving exiting infrastructure like plumbing and lights. Inspiration We were inspired by our client’s tiny, artistic cakes that combine beauty and delicious functionality. We were also inspired by boats and their ability to efficiently carve space out of every possible spot. Solution + Innovation It was clear to us that a boat-like space required boat-like solutions, including storage at every turn – like creating a backsplash with storage and a flip-down counter to expand working space. We also built casework around plumbing stacks to create storage in the stud bay between studs. We were also able to allow for more light into the space by creating an open transom between studs. How is it sustainable? We did a whole sale kitchen remodel without moving plumbing or electrical. We reused existing lighting, adding energy efficient LED lights. We also had great appliance choices that were extra small and efficient. We made a commitment to use sustainable forestry products used responsible forestry products wherever possible. This included FSC Core cabinetry with grain-matched oak, and countertops were crafted from local Rich-lite resin (created by a Boeing engineer and also used in skate parks!).

This coastal, contemporary Tiny Home features a warm yet industrial style kitchen with stainless steel counters and husky tool drawers with black cabinets. the silver metal counters are complimented by grey subway tiling as a backsplash against the warmth of the locally sourced curly mango wood windowsill ledge. I mango wood windowsill also acts as a pass-through window to an outdoor bar and seating area on the deck. Entertaining guests right from the kitchen essentially makes this a wet-bar. LED track lighting adds the right amount of accent lighting and brightness to the area. The window is actually a french door that is mirrored on the opposite side of the kitchen. This kitchen has 7-foot long stainless steel counters on either end. There are stainless steel outlet covers to match the industrial look. There are stained exposed beams adding a cozy and stylish feeling to the room. To the back end of the kitchen is a frosted glass pocket door leading to the bathroom. All shelving is made of Hawaiian locally sourced curly mango wood. A stainless steel fridge matches the rest of the style and is built-in to the staircase of this tiny home. Dish drying racks are hung on the wall to conserve space and reduce clutter.

Photo: Faith Towers © 2019 Houzz
Kitchen - transitional kitchen idea in Boston

Bruce Grainer
Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in Miami

A teeny, tiny kitchen is full of whimsy. Blue/green rustic cabinets and a funky yellow concrete counter complete with built-in drain board just add to the fun. Open shelf storage is a good trick to help a small kitchen feel more spacious. Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry, Brookhaven's Springfield

Industrial pendant lights finish off the space.
Inspiration for a small industrial galley medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Seattle with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

Patrick Oden
Example of a cottage medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen design in Other with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops and stainless steel appliances

A old utility room turned kitchen now becomes the focal point of this renovated basement studio.
Small tuscan concrete floor eat-in kitchen photo in Portland with open cabinets, blue backsplash and ceramic backsplash

Example of a small trendy galley eat-in kitchen design in Los Angeles with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets and paneled appliances

Tiny Kitchen for Small Cakes – Capitol Hill AWARD: REX AWARD for Kitchen Excellence Description Remodel of a boat-like, early 20th Century, condo kitchen that fits one small person who is dedicated to making small cakes. Challenge We encountered a small, four-unit condo building with colonial Spanish architecture that doesn’t allow intrusion into existing structures. Limited space existed for kitchen with nowhere to move or expand. Our entrepreneur client was also on a budget. To keep costs down, we had the challenge of not moving exiting infrastructure like plumbing and lights. Inspiration We were inspired by our client’s tiny, artistic cakes that combine beauty and delicious functionality. We were also inspired by boats and their ability to efficiently carve space out of every possible spot. Solution + Innovation It was clear to us that a boat-like space required boat-like solutions, including storage at every turn – like creating a backsplash with storage and a flip-down counter to expand working space. We also built casework around plumbing stacks to create storage in the stud bay between studs. We were also able to allow for more light into the space by creating an open transom between studs. How is it sustainable? We did a whole sale kitchen remodel without moving plumbing or electrical. We reused existing lighting, adding energy efficient LED lights. We also had great appliance choices that were extra small and efficient. We made a commitment to use sustainable forestry products used responsible forestry products wherever possible. This included FSC Core cabinetry with grain-matched oak, and countertops were crafted from local Rich-lite resin (created by a Boeing engineer and also used in skate parks!).

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless l-shaped porcelain tile and beige floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Tampa with a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash, matchstick tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Jennifer and Dan have lived in their Deer Park Illinois home for 15 years, slowly making minor fixes like painting and decorating; but they had a new plan for their kitchen the entire time. An awkwardly placed garage door, and an island cooktop with a terrible downdraft made a full-scale kitchen remodel an absolute must. Jennifer had many ideas in mind and wanted to work with a company that could provide high-end work, while partnering with a designer that would tailor the kitchen to her ideas. She was intrigued by the phrase “Common Sense Remodeling” in Advance Design’s feature she discovered while perusing an issue of the community’s Quintessential Barrington Magazine. Doing further research on the company’s website, as she looked through project profiles and read about Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling” philosophy, she promptly scheduled an appointment to see if the people and ideas she read about were truly who they said they were. The more she read, the more she knew that the “Common Sense” approach to remodeling they described was exactly the type of company she was looking for. The partnership was sealed after an initial consultation with Owner Todd Jurs and Project Designer Michelle Lecinski. They displayed a combination of friendliness, professionalism and respect that was unmatched by any of the other companies Jennifer talked to. She knew that with Advance Design, she would be able to retain the vision that she had in mind with high-quality craftsmanship. “I reached out to Advance Design because of the ‘Common Sense Remodeling’ tagline,” Jennifer said. “That’s what lingered for me”. “Advance Design was the most respectful- of the house and of my design ideas, and the most professional of the handful of companies that looked at my project”. Soon after the meeting Jennifer began working with Michelle on the project design. They quickly developed chemistry. Jennifer loved how Michelle researched and located every detail that Jennifer wanted for the kitchen. Between the two of them, every concept and idea was worked through and perfected. “Jennifer had definite ideas about what she wanted the new kitchen to look like, she just didn’t know how to bring it all together. We worked together really well to make her ideas into the practical reality necessary for a well-functioning kitchen, with the look and feel that she had envisioned”, says Michelle. “Michelle was wonderful in using the CAD system she would show me new drawings every time we changed the layout while working through the design,” Jennifer said. “She was a really wonderful partner in execution, she made sure everything happened quickly and easily.” The finished design drew out elements of Jennifer’s style and personality. The pair call the look “sophisticated farmhouse” to describe the kitchen renovation to family and friends. The result was a beautifully crafted, authentic-feeling space that satisfied Jennifer’s dreams 15 years in the making. The whole project consisted of a kitchen remodel, mudroom upgrade with powder room, and garage entry relocation. “The projects I personally like the best, are the ones that put the client’s dreams on display,” Project Designer Michelle said. “And this is one of those projects.” The main focal point of the kitchen is custom zinc and brass ventilation hood with a vintage sheen, which was hand made to order by a small company in Indiana named Vogler Metalworking. “It’s like sculpture, a true work of art”, says Jennifer. Your eye is immediately drawn towards this elegant yet practical hood that eliminated the home’s downdraft problem and added a striking conversation piece at the same time. The carpenters had to use special gloves when transporting and installing it, so they didn’t smudge it with fingerprints. The beautiful hood centers proudly over the stunning black enamel and brass LaCornue Range. “I had a friend who had a LaCornue range and after learning how easy it was to cook perfect meals, I was convinced I wanted to have one”, says Jennifer. This unique, breathtaking combination anchors the entire kitchen and is apparent immediately as you walk into the great room the surrounds the space. DuraSupreme Crestwood cabinets with a Kendall Panel add function and sophistication. A custom gray paint color paired with a storm blue was developed so that the new kitchen looked like it belonged to the existing space. Unlacquered brass faucets and hardware were important to Jennifer because she wanted the living finishes to age over time. Remarkable brass diamond mesh cabinet door inserts imported from the UK continue to add this one-of-a-kind kitchen renovation; giving it a “you won’t see this everywhere” quality. The use of old railcar flooring for the coffee bar countertop and reclaimed oak for the open shelving gives an authenticity to the space uncommon in kitchens today. Jennifer and Michelle fell in love with the Limestone Grey Stone while they were investigating unique island countertop ideas. They liked the fact that the limestone as a living finish will age and change over time. Calcutta Miel Quartz countertops made for an excellent pairing around the perimeter, as it’s durable and perfect for cooking preparations. A textured white subway tile backsplash that runs to the ceiling keeps your eye moving towards the open shelving, and to the main focal point of the stunning range hood combination. “The kitchen functions beautifully, and it’s gorgeous,” beams Jennifer as she gestures with both hands while smiling ear to ear. “The most important thing was I wanted a kitchen that had a wonderful flow, cooked beautiful meals and was a great gathering place for family and friends, and this space does that perfectly! Beauty wise, it turned out exactly how I had envisioned. I felt the function part was the hardest part, and that was nailed”! Relocating the garage entry to the new mudroom was a huge priority and has finally separated the family’s arriving home functions from their kitchen. Now coats and shoes and bags have their own area for dropping once members arrive home. Matching gray DuraSupreme cabinetry helped create gorgeous, purposeful lockers for the family. A reclaimed vintage sink and custom wall paper were added to the tiny powder room to beautify the once previously only functional space. Advance Design was even able to create a custom space for their dog to sleep while the family is away. “It was unbelievable that a project of this size was completed in such a short time, and I think that’s because of the large amount of planning and preparation that went into it,” Jennifer marveled, “When we started, we were ready, and everything was prepared”. When it came to execution, Project Manager Justin Davis and his crew were quick, accessible, and organized. Projects like this kitchen are typically completed in as little as 8-10 weeks. Jennifer’s kitchen however despite the relocation of some challenging HVAC in a soffit and moving of an exterior door was completed remarkably fast in part because the team was working with an existing tile floor that ran throughout the first floor that the client really loved. “You get to know these people really well because they’re living in your house while you’re living in your house. They were so fast and really good, it didn’t take as long as even planned” reported Jennifer. “I would text Justin and he always responded almost immediately. I got to know all the guys who were working in our house and they were all wonderful people”. Details in a customized kitchen like this one require skill and care from the people who install it. “All the guys on the job were skilled at what the did. I wanted small details like little feet to look like furniture, that is where their carpentry skill came in to make these all perfect”, said Jennifer. “The tile guys were wonderful. They even let me determine how I wanted the texture with the grout to appear for a salt and pepper look; now that is a very skilled trade person making it custom”. In Jennifer’s interview, she continued to reference Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling”, so I took a minute to ask her exactly what that phrase meant to her and how it played out in her experience with her project and the Advance Design team. Here is what she said: “I was intrigued about Common Sense Remodeling and in my head that there would be clear costs and prices, great communication between the design team, the execution team and me”, said Jennifer. They did deliver on that, it was so clear about the cost breakdown, what I could expect from everyone who came to my house, and everything that we had ordered. That to me is the Common Sense”! It’s great to see a client take literally our assertion that a well-planned remodeling project is simply “Common Sense”! She anticipated each step of the way would be clear, concise, and predictable, all the while protecting the outcome due to the careful upfront planning. “Advance Design delivered on their ‘Common Sense Remodeling’ promise,” Jennifer said. “From the design team, to the execution team - everything was straight forward like I imagined. The project turned out exactly how I envisioned, I enjoyed this process and absolutely would recommend Advance Design Studio to anyone.”

The open kitchen is the family gathering space. The banquette fits perfect by the rear facing windows. Flooring is reclaimed and paired with the gray cabinetry and walls to give a soft modern approach alongside the vintage appeal of the subway tiled wall and school house lights.

Small transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen photo in Other with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, a peninsula and white appliances

This is a countertop in a boat.
Inspiration for a small transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen remodel in Other with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white appliances and a peninsula

We are so thankful for good customers! This small family relocating from Massachusetts put their trust in us to create a beautiful kitchen for them. They let us have free reign on the design, which is where we are our best! We are so proud of this outcome, and we know that they love it too!

This old tiny kitchen now boasts big space, ideal for a small family or a bigger gathering. It's main feature is the customized black metal frame that hangs from the ceiling providing support for two natural maple butcher block shevles, but also divides the two rooms. A downdraft vent compliments the functionality and aesthetic of this installation. The kitchen counters encroach into the dining room, providing more under counter storage. The concept of a proportionately larger peninsula allows more working and entertaining surface. The weightiness of the counters was balanced by the wall of tall cabinets. These cabinets provide most of the kitchen storage and boast an appliance garage, deep pantry and a clever lemans system for the corner storage. Design: Astro Design Centre, Ottawa Canada Photos: Doublespace Photography

Alex Nirta
Example of a small transitional galley dark wood floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen design in Toronto with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, gray backsplash, an island, an undermount sink, porcelain backsplash and stainless steel appliances