Sonoma Farmhouse: Before & After
Nestled in the Sonoma Greens HOA this small kitchen remodel aimed to update the original layout to make better use of space and bring the design into the 21st century. Increasing functionality and storage space while decreasing visual clutter were our goals, and to do so without making structural changes to the notoriously complex structure was a challenge. We’re thrilled with the end result and we’d like to share our design journey with you.
Before
Built in 1986 this kitchen had all the original charm of wallpaper, track lighting and formica countertops. The original floor plan confined the kitchen to the smaller space, which resulted in a claustrophobic and chaotic layout. Adjacent to the kitchen a small breakfast nook contained minimal cabinetry, and because of the layout the flow of the space was always partially obstructed by a chair. It was obvious to us that expanding the kitchen into the nook would enlarge the functional area while still being close enough that any appliances in that space would still be close-to-hand.
Design Development
Using 3D renders to communicate the design intention to our client and their contractor, we envisioned a kitchen design that added much more cabinetry while decreasing the visual weight of the space above counter level. To do this we anchored the room using a warm, stone-effect floor tile and Taj Mahal quartzite countertops, with a complimentary base-cabinet color between; this prevents what we call the “Oreo effect” where light cabinetry is sandwiched between a darker floor and counter.
The upper cabinets are pure white, many of them glazed and illuminated from within (as well as below), which helps the room feel light and spacious as opposed to cavernous. Every inch was optimized in advance using the 3D model, collaborating with the client we dialed-in where their different kitchen items would live so we could maximize the utility of the space, exactly how they like to use it. Of particular importance were the display cabinets for their fine china and glassware.
After
The finished result minimizes visual clutter while maximizing utility. We implemented radius corners of the backsplash and with color-matching outlets, both of which ease the visual transition as you move through the space. The bottom-lit display cabinet allows the client’s etched glassware to gleam and be seen from all sides.
In-keeping with our decluttering goals, we chose appliances that were panel-ready so the dishwasher and refrigerator (which we moved into the breakfast nook space) could be visually ignored in favor of display and decor items. The “dead corners” in the kitchen were fully utilized using blind-corner cabinets that unfold as you open the doors.
On the other side of the kitchen an integrated second oven and microwave drawer sit under a multi-purpose counter space which was set aside for cocktail mixing, buffet presentation or food prep. Above that an alcove framed by the display cabinets showcases a painting of B.R Cohn Winery’s vineyard commissioned from Lee MacLeod.
In the breakfast nook we designed a wrap-around bench that comfortably seats two people. Custom cushions sit atop more storage and are matched to the roman shade we used to replace the shutters. We found we had enough of our Taj Mahal quartzite remaining to fabricate a custom top for the tulip table, which creates further cohesion.
Despite the many structural restrictions we had on this project, we feel we’ve turn an antiquated kitchen into a timeless piece. Not only does the kitchen now feel fresh, but the storage and functionality of the space has been greatly improve.