20 April 2014 QR ForResidentialPros.com
PROJECTS: Kitchen Solutions | By Chuck Ross
W
hen remodel-
ers need to
stick within
the footprint
of an existing
structure, sometimes their best
solutions are the result of look-
ing at things from a different
angle, and thatÕs certainly the
case with this kitchen make-
over in Berkeley, Calif. Here,
designers with Oakland, Calif.-
based Custom Kitchens By John
Wilkins saw an opportunity to
create new visual flow by break-
ing with the strict rectinlinearity
of the previous floor plan. The
end result is an airy space in
harmony with both contempo-
rary space requirements and the
homeÕs overall historic charms.
Those whoÕve been fortunate
enough to live in an original
Craftsman or Arts & Crafts
style home relish their details
Ñ for instance, the built-in
glass-doored bookcases and
room-circling picture rail Ñ that
simply donÕt exist in modern
construction. However, this
affection can be tempered by
hair-pulling frustration with
kitchens designed with anything
but modern-day functionality in
mind. Such opposing emotions
certainly challenged this
Berkeley family, when more than
a decadeÕs experience with their
aging space finally opened their
minds to a more contemporary
Ñ and usable Ñ design.
KITCHEN MAKEOVER
ÒThe kitchen was absolutely
non-functional, in dire need of
renovation,Ó says designer Joy
Wilkins, not mincing words. She
says she has seen any number
of homeowners in similar situ-
ations, weary of overloaded
counters and illogical layouts,
but fearful of the disruption
even the most needed make-
over might cause Ñ and sheÕs
ready with reassurance that the
process will be far less painful
than prospective clients might
anticipate. ÒBecause weÕre a
design-build company, weÕre
able to time things really well.
We work as a design team.Ó
This team, which also includ-
ed designer Karmela Ignacio and
project manager Eric Jackson,
offers a clearly outlined, phased
approach to the design and con-
struction process, which helped
put these homeowners at ease.
A first meeting at the home by
designers and project manager
A thoughtful kitchen and bath design reimagines the
space to provide modern updates while staying true
to its Arts & Crafts style
IMPROVEMENT
Angling for
After
The remodel used angles
and open space to create a
contemporary, functional design.
Before
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