Having built their four previously larger homes from scratch on Florida’s east coast, one Tampa couple recently took the plunge again by completely renovating their fifth and newest residence. Located at the Avila Golf and Country Club, their newly renovated 4,500-square-foot two-level haven is a true model of how efficiency and practicality can effectively meld with great design and style—and nowhere is this more apparent than in their sumptuous kitchen and the comfortable spaces surrounding it.
“From the flooring and cabinetry to the countertops and moulding, everything you see in the kitchen is absolutely new,” says one of the homeowners. “The fact is you would never know that this was once a drastically different space.”
After nine months of continuous renovation, the couple now has a spectacular, almost-new house to call home. Looks can truly be deceiving especially upon entering the home which affords dramatic views of a neighboring lake. Inside, open and well-appointed rooms effortlessly flow into one another with little distraction. The kitchen essentially acts as the home’s nucleus and is a lively space where the couple often finds themselves enjoying much of their time when at home.
One of the most prominent changes made to the room was switching from the existing electric cooktop to gas and moving it from the center island to kitchen’s back wall. To assist them with this task and in creating the room’s overall look, the homeowners enlisted the talents of Glenn Rumer of Kitchen Creations.
“The goal was to make the space open and practical,” says Rumer. “We constructed a better, more efficient workspace with plenty of cabinet and countertop space.”
Adding to the room’s element of old-world comfort, an imported Italian backsplash contributes a subtle splash of color to the cooktop area. The brightly-colored hand-painted backsplash, installed by John Rosica of A&R Tile & Marble Flooring, depicts two chefs in the midst of cooking a feast.
A stainless steel Thermador cooktop, ovens, refrigerator and dishwasher make for quick and easy meal preparation and clean up. To keep food hot, the couple also decided upon a Thermador warming drawer and drawer microwave.
The appliances are set off from the abundance of white Omega cabinetry and wood flooring, ideally complementing the expanse of granite countertops throughout the room.
Additional seating for four (or more) was created around the perimeter of the high countertop for entertaining or informal dining. Detailed mouldings and columns give the space a clean and classic look, while furniture legs and feet on particular base cabinets provide a hint of warmth and charm.
In the breakfast room, a series of windows allows natural light to flood the intimate space. A large stone table—weighing in at a hefty 700 pounds—anchors the space and rests atop a reinforced wicker support pedestal. Encircling the dining table are wicker chairs, similar to the swivel barstool chairs around the perimeter of the high countertop. Here the couple can enjoy morning coffee or a casual dinner with guests.
Though the family room and kitchen are virtually one large room, they function and appear as distinct spaces visually separated by the kitchen’s high countertop and differing ceiling heights. The family room’s vaulted ceiling with exposed beams demonstrates a slightly more laid back atmosphere from that of the kitchen.
The space beckons relaxation with its large leather sofa and plasma surround sound television situated above the fireplace mantel. Speakers and equipment for the television are hidden within the wall behind the unit and fireplace. The fireplace itself is constructed of Jerusalem marble and is a welcomed addition on chilly winter nights.
While the kitchen, breakfast room and family room all serve different functions, they work together in keeping the home airy and welcoming. The kitchen acts as the focal point to the home with each of its adjoining rooms promoting its practicality and efficiency. Simple, yet timelessly styled, the kitchen is a chef’s dream come true.
“She absolutely loves it to death!” says the homeowner about his wife’s affection for their new kitchen. “It has everything we could have ever wanted.” Bon appetit!