Somehow, after fire damaged over a third of the kitchen in her newly constructed home before her family had even moved in, one homeowner was able to see it not as a loss, but rather an opportunity.
Inspired by a book by Clive Christian, she set her mind on creating a new kitchen that was welcoming yet spacious, one that would be ideal for hosting large family gatherings and parties for friends. “I walked into Schlabach Wood Design with all these pictures and he had the design right off the cover [of the same book] in the showroom.” Right then, she knew the kitchen design company would be able to make her dream kitchen a reality.
First though, Design Restoration would have to work their magic. Specializing in cleaning up and reconstructing after disaster strikes, their expertise allowed them to not only remove outward signs of the effects from the heat, smoke and chemicals used to put out the fire, but also to determine what elements were structurally damaged and which could be saved. Design Restoration’s team rebuilt the walls and ceilings, then laid a beautiful new white oak hardwood throughout the first floor. They also installed the lighting, setting the tone for a warm atmosphere, before turning the rest of the project over to Schlabach who had been busy making plans with the homeowner.
Starting with their Elite cabinetry series in painted maple the homeowner had chosen, Schlabach thoroughly planned custom cabinetry for each workspace, concentrating on bringing both efficiency and beauty to the kitchen. All the upper cabinets are lit from above to showcase the glassware and below to add light to work surfaces.
Schlabach put in specialty touches throughout the cabinetry, like velvet-lined drawers for fine silverware, a built-in tea box, built-in speakers, and a pull out for linens.
The classic lines and generous moldings tie everything together. “I have a love of molding,” explained the homeowner. “We used acanthus, key, dentil, and egg and dart. The mix is beautiful. The molding makes the kitchen.” The layered finishes help draw the eye up and eliminate the sense of bulk that such a sheer volume of cabinetry risks. Beaded inset panels on the doors and other extra details like decorative posts and medallions add texture and variation.
The most unique elements of the kitchen—double islands—provide not only extra space, but add to the welcoming atmosphere. At the far end, the smaller island beckons guests to sit and visit with the chef. To soften harsh lines, the countertop is curved in an echo of the chair backs of the three upholstered bar chairs. Overhead, a row of clear pendant lights emphasizes the island’s width. The Esmeralda granite picks up the warm olive green of the walls and is cut with a beveled edge. The second island is narrower and longer and echoes the unique single curved end effect of the first. It stands as the practical workspace of the kitchen with an inset prep sink above and microwave and warming drawer below. Double chandeliers shine down on the expanse of granite adding to light provided by a generous supply of inset cans.
The stove and surrounding cabinets extend out into the kitchen, creating a beautiful focal point for a professional cooking experience. Acanthus corbels hold up the mantel giving the effect of a classic fireplace, encasing the ventilation system for the Viking gas stovetop. A pot filler faucet waits to be used, folded back against the glazed antique subway tiles laid in a herringbone pattern.
LED underlighting shines on the long lines of the clean-up workspace that reflects the neo-classical symmetry. Gröhe faucets stretch elegant stainless steel necks over both extra deep single stainless steel sinks that are each paired with a dishwasher. “We entertain a lot and the kitchen cleans right up. It’s because there is so much space and a place for everything,” explained the homeowner. “There’s nothing I didn’t get that I asked for—and more. Schlabach took it to the Nth degree. They made everything extra special with so many details that they put in. I can’t say ‘I wish they would have…’ because they did.”