White Crane Construction, LLC Kitchens: $50,000 - $100,000 Minneapolis Presented by
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The clients desired to expand and modernize the 1911 home s Kitchen, while preserving the original architectural details. Their tiny Kitchen had the home s main staircase and 2 walkways intersecting there creating major flow and space issues. Situated near the rear entrance of the house, expanding the kitchen presented many design challenges. The existing Kitchen had limited cabinetry for storage, minimal work surface, and was so small that the refrigerator didn t fit in the room! The clients shared their frustration that three other contractors had unsuccessfully tried to find a remodeling solution that satisfied the client s needs, met their budget, and improved function. The clients were repeatedly told that they would have to tear out beautiful original Dining Room oak and leaded glass built-ins. As well as move their 2 story staircase to add needed square footage to the Kitchen, which would have been cost prohibitive and significantly outside their budget. To overcome constrained space and improve functionality and flow, our design concept involved relocating the Kitchen to the center of the home, into an unused bedroom. In doing this, we were able to maintain the lovely Dining Room built-ins and keep the staircase in its existing and functional location. Re-visioning the overall traffic flow and purpose of the home allowed for a larger functional Kitchen with a walk in pantry (formally an old walk in closet). The new centrally located Kitchen provides a great entertaining area as it opens to the existing Dining Room and Living Rooms. Finally, moving the Kitchen meant we were also able to repurpose the old Kitchen into a new Mudroom, desperately lacking in homes of this era, and meeting current family lifestyles. The new archway of the Kitchen/Dining wall was mirrored to match the existing Living Room opening to create continuity. The existing old growth maple flooring was salvaged and refinished in the newly designed space. By reusing the existing millwork, closet/pantry door, and door hardware we were able to maintain some of the original architectural elements and blend them with new, satisfying the homeowners needs and desires.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: continued Significant design effort was devoted to creating a fresh, modern, functional kitchen that would complement the original architectural elements and character of the house. The custom shade of white chosen for the new full access cabinetry was selected to maintain the historical look. The Kitchen s storage space was greatly increased by the new cabinetry, which included a coffee center, a walk in pantry with wine storage, and countertop seating. Windermere, a stunning brand new Cambria Quartz color, was chosen for the countertops, it incorporates neutral shades of gray and cream interspersed with flecks of golden copper, which create drama and movement. A mini subway monochromatic glass backsplash compliments the countertops and creates interest through varied materials and textures. Industrial inspired pendants and chandelier continue the vintage appeal. Overall, with our unique design approach to the Kitchen remodel, we were able to gain the homeowners everything they requested and more and all within budget.
FLOOR PLAN: before
FLOOR PLAN: after
BEFORE PHOTO: #1 The existing kitchen had limited mismatched cabinetry for storage, and minimal work surface.
AFTER PHOTO: #1 Significant design time and effort were devoted to creating a fresh, modern, functional kitchen that would compliment original architectural elements/character of the house while creating a vintage modern feeling.
BEFORE PHOTO: #2 Built in buffet in dining room & view of original old bedroom wall that was removed to create new kitchen that opens to dining and living rooms.
AFTER PHOTO: #2 Wall removed to create new kitchen that opens to dining and living rooms. Archway above the new kitchen created to match the existing arch in adjacent living room creating continuity.
BEFORE PHOTO: #3 Original built-in cabinetry in old kitchen. This built in was saved and repurposed into a computer work center after old kitchen became new mud room
AFTER PHOTO: #3 View into the existing dining room from the new kitchen. Original built-in cabinetry, repurposed as a computer work center, is visible in the doorway of the old kitchen/new mud room.
AFTER PHOTO: #4 View from existing dining room into new kitchen and existing living room. The archway in the new kitchen (right) was created to match existing arch in adjacent Living Room (left).