Paula and Chip Everton, who in 1994 moved into their lovely Avila home to rear their three children Cory, Christy and Courtney, finally decided last year that it was time to tackle a kitchen remodel. Anyone who has lived longer than ten years in the same house knows that feeling. It just comes over you gradually. You start noticing small chips and marks on the walls and cabinets and find yourself drawn to the appliance section in the stores to check out those beautiful refrigerators.
Based on referrals from a couple of friends, Paula contacted Mireille Fernandez, a designer with Kitchen Creations in Tampa, to discuss how to brighten their rather dark kitchen and give it an elegant, classic feel. Paula had in mind a Northeastern Shaker style of cabinetry, which is a popular trend in current kitchen renovations because of the classic and simple look it gives to either traditional or contemporary designs.
A cheerful atmosphere
Fernandez describes the Everton renovation as having “a clean, classic and timeless look.” She and the homeowner worked together to pick and choose elements and move some of the appliances to new locations. Fernandez’ first step was to lighten the area by installing white cabinets and changing the counters from dark granite to light quartz tops that resemble the look of marble. “They are beautiful, and virtually maintenance-free,” adds Paula
The Cambria Torquay quartz counters feature swirls of gray and a hint of taupe for warmth. This quartz perfectly complements the painted cabinetry and hardwood flooring. Unlike marble, which needs to be sealed and can stain, quartz is more durable and resistant to surface damage.
Next, the designer eliminated an overhead soffit and drop ceilings to give the area a more modern and spacious atmosphere. Crown molding was added to the new Dura Supreme cabinetry in order to extend the wall cabinets up to accommodate the now higher ceiling. A tall bar area was converted into a food prep and eating island, while outdated wallpaper was removed from the walls and replaced with a fresh coat of paint.
Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances were integrated throughout the kitchen to coordinate with the cabinetry. The hood over the Wolf cooktop has two doors to continue the cabinet look and is framed on each side by impressive Mullion glass inset door cabinets. A marble mosaic backsplash connects the vent to the cooktop, while black iron hardware throughout emphasizes the simple Shaker design. The two sinks—one on the island and the other at the beverage center—are seamless TopZero sinks that minimize scraps and spills from gathering around the edges. Three pendant lights now hang above the new island, completing the clean and classic look.
A painless renovation process
The Evertons especially appreciated the quick pace of Kitchen Creations to finish the renovation of the entire room in about three months. While Paula was excited to begin cooking in her new kitchen, she did enjoy the downtime during the renovation, often ordering lunch and dinner from the Avila Country Club kitchen, which was delivered by golf cart!
Today, Paula enjoys cooking quiet meals for her and Chip in their new kitchen. She’s also grateful for the new spacious area to entertain when their children and four grandchildren visit.
Resources: Kitchen designer: Mireille Fernandez, Kitchen Creations; Cabinetry: Dura Supreme Arcadia Inset Door; Countertops: Cambria Torquay; Sinks: TopZero; Faucets: Franke; Appliances: Sub-Zero and Wolf