HOME & GARDEN
COURTESY OF KITCHEN CONCEPTS PLUS
The Nuuanu condominium kitchen needed a full facelift to match beautiful views outside, inset in text. The old dining room set-up prevented the homeowners from interacting with dinner guests when they were in the kitchen.
|
|
Kitchen rises to new heights
A cramped kitchen and dining room is expanded for entertaining space
By Michael L. Smith
Special to the Star-Bulletin
My clients entertain frequently, but a cramped kitchen and dining room set-up was keeping them from enjoying their own parties to the fullest.
Designing Minds
On the first Friday of each month, the Star-Bulletin and the Hawaii chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers feature a local designer sharing details of a recent project, whether it involves a room transformation or a project started from the ground up. This month we feature Michael L. Smith of Kitchen Concepts Plus, Inc.
|
The small, enclosed kitchen lacked storage and was circled by an overpowering bulkhead that excluded them from the laughter echoing from the dining room. The room's narrow entrance made serving a challenge. The dining room itself was dated, and wet-bar storage was minimal and intrusive to their view below.
They needed a full renovation, and as budget was not an issue, the job was kicked into action.
I began by removing the metal rack from above the wet bar, exposing the view from the 24th floor of their condominium. I included wall-mounted cabinets with glass doors as an elegant display for wine glasses on either side of the window. Overhead spotlights were centered above the bar to illuminate the crackled-glass vessel sink below.
Their dining set was replaced with a bar-height, island/dining table surrounded by comfortable bar stools and cabinet storage below. A pop-up power bar with multiple outlets was designed to sit flush in the granite table top, only to be exposed as needed for keeping appetizers warm. Perhaps the most dramatic factor in the transformation of this space involved the large opening connecting dining room and kitchen.
COURTESY OF KITCHEN CONCEPTS PLUS
The new design, top and left, incorporates warm wood floors and an open design.
|
|
The kitchen, now visible to the dining room, includes a pull-out pantry, spice storage, corner Susan and high-end appliances. The original narrow pocket door into the kitchen was replaced with a wider, open entrance. The heavy bulkhead was removed, exposing the extra height of an existing window, as well as providing room for the upper cabinets to stretch to the ceiling.
The space beyond everyday reach was utilized by creating glass-door cabinets with interior puck lighting for display. Although the size of the kitchen did not change, the efficiency and openness of the design was dramatic.
The combination of warm cherry and green-stained cabinets, granite counter tops and the glow from incandescent lighting created a sophisticated presentation.
The clients' suggestion of a wood floor carried from the wet bar to the kitchen, unifying the area. The powered, island/dining table provided necessary storage and is also used to power the clients' laptop to create a comfortable work area at home.
The open space plan provides for uninterrupted conversation and a convenient pass-through for serving, allowing the clients to enjoy the friendship and company of their guests. As my eyes are drawn to the illuminated Japanese bowl where a drywall bulkhead used to hover, I can't help but think this Nuuanu residence has been taken to new heights.
Contact Michael L. Smith at 524-6656.