extra-deep space," Retzak says. "ey can put [three]
vehicles in there, and [the husband] has a workbench
behind the vehicles."
e garage exterior displays board and batten siding,
shake roofing tiles and fieldstone accents to complement
the existing home. Mimicking the appearance of a car-
riage house, the new structure pays homage to its barn
past, and a customized exterior door leading from the
driveway into the mudroom serves as the focal point. e
garage also provides ample storage for the homeowners.
HEIGHTENED HUB
e kitchen had been an addition to the original barn
but failed to acknowledge the history of the converted
home. Landlocked with a den and the dining room
on the back of the house, the dimly lit space lacked
a direct connection to outdoor entertaining areas and
thus did not take advantage of any outside perspective.
In fact, the unused den blocked the most scenic view
of the backyard.
Bartelt Remodeling consolidated the den and kitchen
into an extensive space that stretches across the rear of
the residence and harnesses natural light from additional
windows. e revamped area comprises two kitchen is-
lands so the clients have plenty of room to prepare food
while their three kids eat, and the setup helps prevent
family and friends from having to race around one big
island constantly.
"It's large enough and laid out in a way that a lot of
people [can] gravitate toward that space, but [it] still re-
mains a functional kitchen with everything that needs
to happen in there," Retzak notes.
e homeowners desired a clean and simple look in the
kitchen to create a rustic, farmhouse feel and embrace
an open concept. A scarcity of upper cabinetry generates
an airiness throughout the space, and the few wall cabi-
nets incorporated in the design feature glass inserts that
contribute to the openness. Without adequate storage
below, however, the options would have been restricted.
After
FIRST FLOOR
After
SECOND FLOOR
Before
SECOND FLOOR
Before
FIRST FLOOR
QualifiedRemodeler.com QR May 2017 27