“Cooking is now more of a hobby than a chore.”
Join Design Build Planners on our journey of transforming a 20-year old kitchen into a homeowner’s dream.
This Morris County, New Jersey home, built in 1992, had a kitchen with lacquer cabinets and laminate countertops which was a modern look at the time. Twenty years later, Kim, the new owner, wanted her current vision of a modern, spacious gourmet chef’s kitchen with professional grade appliances. A large dine-at island was high on her priority list as was extra cabinetry storage. She also requested that we incorporate a wet bar as part of the overall kitchen remodel.
Other desired features were under cabinet lighting, hidden back splash outlets, an integrated butcher block counter top section, dishwasher drawers, a kegerator, and a back splash pot filler.
Cooking and entertaining is very important for this homeowner. Kim wanted a revamped kitchen space that would accommodate her lifestyle and have her guests say, “WOW!”
To incorporate Kim’s wish list item of a large dine-at island instead of the existing peninsula, the plan included removing the rear, structural wall and extending the kitchen two feet into the existing great room. This was not an easy task. The back sink wall of the kitchen was the original rear, exterior wall of the home. Previous owners added a great room behind the kitchen. Obviously a header beam was required, plus the kitchen level floor framing needed to be extended. A reconfiguration of the heat/cooling ducts, electrical, and plumbing was also necessary.
The back wall was removed, all of the mechanicals were rerouted, and the floor framing of the kitchen was extended two feet into the great room. This provided the additional space required for the larger dine-at island. Pantry cabinets were added in place of one pantry closet and also in the hall leading to the dining room.
The wall was opened to the adjacent (side) family room with ceiling mounted, lighted glass cabinets. This opening provides Kim with a view to the TV above the fireplace. The new back wall was closed to the kitchen with glass French doors to the great room to block off noise when desired.
The project was designed, developed and sold by Design Build Planners. The craftsmanship was from ProSkill Construction, a DBP Preferred Remodeler.
The final result met and exceed expectations. Cooking, for Kim, is now more of a hobby than a chore. Entertaining a few or a house full is now easier and more inviting. Guests are both well entertained and in awe of the transformation! CLICK HERE to read about and view the post-production dinner party celebration.
New Kitchen Design Concept
Kim’s Remodeling Experience…
The Design Build Planners met with me to find out what I liked and didn’t like from their portfolio. Then they did three potential designs of my kitchen. From there I was able to pick which one I liked the most. I actually liked all of them so I was able to pick a few things from each design. They didn’t add anything I didn’t want. I was the one who kept adding or taking away as the project progressed. You have complete control over what is happening. They will make suggestions, but you don’t have to do them if you are not comfortable. Jason and his brother Neil are really great about that. They don’t push which for me, was one of the things I like most about them. Also, if you have questions during the project Jason and Neil are always available to answer your questions, if you need them to see something you’re unhappy with they will be there as soon as they can. I feel like I’m the only one they are working with, because they are there when you need them to be. They treat you like a friend and family. It’s very comforting. ~ Kim
At Design Build Planners, we love helping homeowners design and build their dream kitchen. We hope that sharing our projects with you provides you with inspiration when thinking about the possibilities for your new kitchen.
If you have questions about your next remodeling project, whether it’s a kitchen or another room in your home, feel free to schedule a complimentary consultation with the Design Build Planners and we will be happy to answer your questions.