Our new kitchen is a functional blend of a number of different features: light, colors, space, warmth, and textures. It is beyond anything we could have imagined. Ed Zayer is the person responsible for our dream kitchen. To complete this project, he utilized skill, talent, creativity, and vision.
Two years ago, Ed remodeled the center portion of our home, hardwood flooring, interior and exterior door replacement, room expansion, hardware coordination. We were so pleased with that project that we contracted him to remodel the kitchen. So approximately ten weeks ago we sat down and began working this enterprise. Ed brought the same skills to this project that he had brought to the first one. First of all, he was patient with us. After we agreed on floor plan and budget, he walked us through the decision making process of choosing tile, kitchen appliances, cabinetry, hardware, etc.. He continues to possess the aptitude for working with customers who could be overwhelmed by the required choices associated with a major remodel. As we began to narrow our item selection, he encouraged us to maintain focus on the qualities we desired for the kitchen; that was to select items that provided light, warmth, and space. During each phase of the project, Ed kept us apprised of the modifications he thought necessary to enhance the kitchen. For example, he requested a change in the kitchen layout. This change was much more work for him, but he wanted the best for our kitchen and put our interest ahead of his own. We have a nephew who is a contractor in a different part of the state. When I shared pictures of the completed kitchen, he wrote back, “Great new look. The stove looks better on that side.” It was Ed’s idea to relocate the stove. Throughout the entire project, if we had questions regarding anything in particular, Ed was available and willing to provide answers.
Ed exhibited other skills. Because I am retired, I had the opportunity to witness the work in progress. Ed, along with his assistant, was hands on regarding the work required to finalize certain phases of the project. Not only was he familiar with required tasks, but moreover he knew how to complete them. He had not forgotten the knowledge and practice associated with the trade. At one point, Ed’s assistant was incapacitated. Work proceeded without a hitch; Ed stepped in and finished that section of the job himself. I now realize just how committed he was to the timeline we had established from the start.
Once all materials and supplies were purchased, Ed began the task of assembling the different pieces. The workday began about 8:15 AM and ended at 4:30 PM. Ed was available daily, either in person, by phone, through email, or text. He brought in professionals and instructed them as to how tasks were to be completed. First was the cabinetry. If there was anything that did not match the specs, he made certain the issue was resolved. We followed up with the details of the cabinets and drawers to make sure everything worked properly. When we talked with Ed regarding concerns, he listened and made necessary adjustments. As we requested, there was plenty of room for storage, with spice racks, waste and recycle bins hidden from view. Included were a pantry with sliding drawers and cabinets with frosted glass. As a special touch, Ed included frosted glass in the interior door leading to the laundry room. The cabinets and door give us the light and space we were looking for without compromising function.
Next were the counter tops. When we purchased the slabs to be used for the counter tops, one of them was smudged. Ed made sure the marks did not appear on any of the counter tops used for the kitchen. The tops fit perfectly onto the cabinets with all seams smooth to the touch. What the counter tops bring is color: swirls of dark blue, restrained strips of copper, waves of light blue and grey, and a hint of pinkish red.
The third phase of assembly, the backsplash. Here, Ed suggested Wooden Beige, a brushed tile that complemented the counter top. The tile has little waves running horizontally, punctuated by streaks of grey and copper. Some of the tiles are smooth while others are textured. The tiles themselves are set horizontally running the length the walls at the front of the kitchen. Completing the backsplash is a horizontal row of copper tile the same dimension of the wooden beige tiles. The effect of the combination and placement of tiles is a fresh look with a flow of clean lines. Finally, the flooring. This selection was Ed’s call and the right one at that. The flooring anchors the kitchen with warmth. It is a rustic pattern incorporating the beige in the backsplash and the blueish-grey in the counter top.
What used to be part kitchen and part breakfast nook has become one kitchen. What once was cramped and confined quarters is now spacious and efficient. However, Ed didn’t stop there; he added two more items to the remodel. At one end of the kitchen, above a counter space for eating, Ed situated two red pendant lights. At the other end of the kitchen, around the window above the sink, he painted the area a matching red. They add just the right amount of pop. The second item Ed added was a trellis outside the kitchen window. He envisioned the trellis at the outset of the planning stage. Hanging on the trellis are flowers and a bird’s house. In the morning as the sun rises, the rays reflect off the trellis bringing light into the kitchen. Each morning has become a special occasion.
The kitchen we now have is a testament to Ed’s creativity and vision. We greatly respect and appreciate his ability to transcend traditional patterns to create something new and meaningful.
Robert and Wendy Jordan
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