Behind The Scenes
A Modern/Contemporary Kitchen Remodel.
Just prior to COVID, I was asked to collaborate with an interior designer and a contractor to design a kitchen for a couple in North Arlington. We met, discussed ideas, talked in “broad brush strokes” about the concept and budget.
Then, COVID reared its ugly head. We decided to postpone. A bit frustrating, but a smart move because of the very clear uncertainty at the time.
A few months later, when we became comfortable with “safety” protocols, we met together, six feet apart and masked, and soldiered on with the plan.
The interior designer, one with whom I love to collaborate, had the idea of a basic white modern kitchen–clean crisp finishes and aesthetic. Our homeowner, wanted some color, so it was decided to go with Eclipse Cabinetry’s TFL “Arizona Cypress” along with some basic white “White Pearl” in the same specie for the upper wall cabinets.
As a side point for those who do not know what TFL is: it stands for thermally fused laminate. TFL offers a great price point alternative to HPL. It is durable–resistant to scratches and moisture. Best yet, it provides the best bang for the budget.
Our contractor, Colin Sonnenday of Sonnenday Custom Builders, tackled the bigger task of removing a wall to expand the kitchen footprint. This was an absolute “must”, because the existing kitchen violated almost, if not all, of the basic NKBA kitchen design guidelines. For example, the main traffic flow from the front to the back of the house was through the kitchen. A basic “Z shaped” jog.
Thankfully, we were able to eliminate that issue by removing the wall and then allowing the kitchen to stand on its own and pushing it over closer to the family room, a step down type on the far side of the house facing the backyard. The best part was the new design offered its homeowners truly functional kitchen meeting NKBA guidelines with a pleasing aesthetic to boot.
On the opposite side of the kitchen, we added a pantry with lower shallow bases and two walls flanking a big double window. The result was extra storage that was pleasing to the eye and could act as a buffet when entertaining friends and family at home.
“Into” the kitchen was to go “into” the kitchen. The peninsula offered the sink as clean up and prep, and immediately behind was the cooktop with MW/Oven on one end and the refrigerator on the other.
