Entry: "Small Modern Kitchen"
Designer: Chenelle Johnson
Dealership: DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen - St. Louis Park, MN
The rest of the story ...
The homeowners chose DreamMaker to design a new kitchen in their small, 1952, split-level, modern home. They were looking for: More storage space, functional counter space, improved work-flow, safety (moving away from baseboard heat), and updated materials overall that would be easy to maintain.
Chenelle encountered a few challenges, but these were overcome given her experience and expertise. The kitchen was small (110 square feet) without space to expand, so the team had to utilize the existing footprint. The old baseboard heat was connected to the heating system serving the entire house and the soffit over the window intersected with the roof line and could not be moved.
The layout was redesigned to make good use of every square inch of available space. The baseboard heat was removed and capped, and a new electric toekick heater was installed to heat the room, while allowing space for the sink and dishwasher to be relocated beneath the window. A slide-in range and microwave replaced the former cooktop and double ovens, and were relocated. The range was recessed into the wall to allow clearance for the dishwasher door to open and close with ease. The opposite wall became a large unbroken workspace. The wall opposite the window includes the refrigerator and abundant, efficient pantry storage. The wall cabinets on each side of the microwave were symmetrically stepped to artfully include the soffit, so wall storage space is not wasted and the cabinet placement in relation to the soffit is also aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
The homeowners appreciate that they can both move freely and efficiently as they work in the kitchen together. And they love the mix of finishes, from the cabinets to the counters and flooring that all ultimately coordinate with the finishes in the living and dining rooms.
Chenelle enjoyed working within the existing very small footprint to give the homeowners everything on their wish list, including full-size appliances. This was a great exercise in organization, precision, and creativity. Chenelle felt a real sense of accomplishment when the clients said she nailed it!
Comments from our judges ...
Creative way to design cabinetry with the soffit.
The windows provide a killer view!