From the outset of the project, the program was clear: Design a kitchen within the existing space that could work with the charm and character of the home while adding creative and useful details at every turn. To achieve this, we started by completely re-evaluating the kitchen as a whole. We worked with the homeowners to understand how they used the kitchen and what aspects they needed most to make working in it an enjoyable experience. Also, since the kitchen was the primary entry point from the garage, deck and back yard, they also needed an area that allowed for transition and provided space to take off and store shoes.

With two cooks in the kitchen, we needed to create generous countertop space that the existing kitchen did not provide. The old upper cabinets were shallow and less than a foot above the countertop. We removed these and replaced them with deeper alder cabinets at a higher level to make food preparation less constricted. The new 34” wide double-bowl sink is a welcome change from the old 20” wide sink and the new, light colored remnant granite countertops compliment the medium toned cabinets. The design on the ceiling is inspired by traditional, coffered ceilings. The rich woodwork Tudor homes are known for is reflected in a contemporary fashion through the use of varying thicknesses of birch lumber and integration of the semi-flush and pendant lights.

Walking into the rear entry of the kitchen with an armful of groceries without a place to put them is no longer a problem. The homeowners do not have to worry about the door knob banging into the cabinetry because it is slightly set back from the rest of the cabinets allowing for the door to open well over 90 degrees. They can set down grocery bags on the peninsula and due to the convenient placement can easily empty the bags into the fridge or pantry cabinets. The peninsula also pulls double duty as a convenient location to chop and prep food near the relocated range. The bottom of the multi-use workspace has a well-devised drawer that makes parchment paper, plastic wrap, sandwich bags easy to grab.