Decorators attending the Decorating Den Interiors national conference last month in Jacksonville, Florida, had the opportunity to share our projects in our International Dream Room competition. Since I'm in the planning stages of my own kitchen remodel, I found this category personally interesting, especially with the kitchen I'm featuring in today's article.
It is hard to see in the "before" photo, but the kitchen is quiet spacious. Entering the room, there is what only can be described as an awkward wall blocking most of the space.
The table and chairs behind the wall did not provide enough seating for this couple who like to entertain. Storage was also an issue for not only regular kitchen items but also bar items used when they entertained.
In the planning stages, it was determined that the beams that supported the awkward wall were load bearing. Like making "lemonade out of lemons," it was decided to make a wine bar out of support beams. This provided seating and storage of adult beverages behind frosted glass in the cabinets mounted to the ceiling.
The wasted space above the original cabinets was removed, and new custom cabinets reached to the ceiling, adding storage. The island was replaced with the new cabinet configuration, including a large peninsula. Behind the bar, out of view, is still a table with six chairs. With the bar and peninsula, seating for seven has been added.
Knowing that lighting was a challenge, an incredible design element took advantage of the large ceiling to feature lights. A "light band" starts at the left wall and appears to drop below the cabinet, with under-cabinet lights, continuing out the right side of the bar. The light band then angles to attach to the cabinets on the back wall, while holding pendant lights over the peninsula. Putting the same pendants in groups of three, two sets are placed over the large table, showing through the bar.
This space shows appreciation of a number of elements: Color-contrast with the light hardwood floors vs. the black cabinets; using metal furniture with all the wood in the cabinets and flooring; and going high on texture, as seen in the stunning glass and slate mosaic tile back-splash, woven wood blinds, and slate on the left wall.
Going from an outdated traditional style to a sleek, contemporary style, this homeowner now appreciates the extra seating and storage in a Dream Room winning kitchen.
To view the photos in color, read the design blog "Dream It, Design It" at blogs.publicopiniononline.com/dreamit.
Maryann Fisher is owner of Decorating Den Interiors, Chambersburg. Contact her at mafisher@decoratingden.com or 263-4808.