Tuscan Themed Kitchen and First Floor Remodel
Project Description:
The owners of this traditional home sought to update and expand their somewhat dated and crowded kitchen. The former kitchen had a corner sink and a modified U-shape, but with the only entry intersecting the refrigerator and bar passage, it did not allow for multiple cooks in the kitchen. The existing kitchen was separated from the family room by a wall which included a see-through fireplace, but in reality the two areas were distinctly separate. As this family enjoys cooking and entertaining, they sought to open the space to accommodate a large island in the kitchen and opening the space to the adjoining family room. Additionally, they wanted the cooking surfaces and appliances to be state of the art, but with a style reminiscent of Tuscany.
To achieve the effect, color groups and materials were selected to create the Tuscan region’s theme. Round shapes were included throughout the space including the island top and the custom archway opening to the family room. The owners selected cherry cabinetry with a dark brown stain, granite counters with some hues of blue-green, and a natural stone tumbled subway tile backsplash. The island color is fossil beige, and the owners re-purposed their existing bar stools using the same color. With the serious emphasis on cooking, the range selected is a 36” gas Thermador® with custom exhaust hood. A separate Thermador® baking oven and microwave are built-in on the adjoining wall. Bela Cera® hand-scrapedhardwood flooring ties together the kitchen, eating area, and family room.
The existing stone fireplace was taken down and set aside for re-installation at project completion. As the wall separating the kitchen and family room was eliminated, the stone fireplace has been reinstalled at its new location on the home’s east-wall. Windows and built-in cabinetry flank the fireplace, with the flat screen mounted above it. With added windows, additional can lighting, and antique white trim, the rooms are bright and airy.