Blue Bird

The homeowners, who host frequent gatherings with their large family, needed an efficient working kitchen that was comfortable for entertaining. Annexing under-utilized separate rooms to create a single open floor plan was the goal. Their vision was functionality for multiple cooks, open communal dining spaces, a beverage center, great lake views and color.

The designer started with structural challenges. To remove the load-bearing wall in order to open up the space, she needed to place a large steel beam underneath, as well as a large engineered wood beam above the opening. This process required some lower-level demolition and structural support framing for the first-floor roof load—extending the remodel beyond the kitchen walls. 

After resolving that, she opened up the media room and office to create better flow and function. Plus, removing the walls provided views of the lake from anywhere in the kitchen and dining areas. 

The kitchen was redesigned with a functional work zone and center island, relocating the cooking appliances into the heart of the kitchen and moving refrigeration and pantry storage to the end wall. The plan can seat up to 30 people in the kitchen/dining areas. 

This kitchen features a mixture of finishes, materials and textures. The Snowbound White cabinets are paired with Cambria Carrick quartz in a matte finish. The center island, refrigerator wall and beverage center cabinets are maple with a semi-sheer warm black stain called Carbon. The center island features a waterfall countertop in Silestone Statuario quartz. This same material is repeated on the raised lunch counter, also with waterfall ends.