Homeowners’ Request:

The homeowners wanted a place where the entire family could gather. Three generations of the same family lived in this home, and the grandmother desired the ability to cook with her daughter. The family also sought a place where the children could do homework and surfaces that were easy to clean and maintain. Finally, unlike most homeowners, this family did not want to install a dishwasher, because washing the dishes was considered a way for the family to do work together.

Designer’s Challenge:

The existing space was laid out poorly. Corner cabinets were hard to reach, and existing cabinets were made of old particleboard. The entryway, hallway and kitchen each had different types of flooring, which gave the entire space almost no continuity.

Designer’s Solution:

Siebenthal and his team reconfigured the kitchen layout, and installed laminate flooring in the entryway, hallway and kitchen for ease of cleaning. He then added new features for ease of use, such as corner cabinets, a built-in buffet with glass door uppers for display, a prep sink for the grandmother and a bar-top area for the children to do homework. This surface can also double as a chatting area for guests or a buffet area, perfect for serving food. To make the kitchen even easier to maintain, Siebenthal incorporated painted appliances and solid-surface countertops.

The Seven Valleys team chose the colors of the new kitchen surfaces carefully. Cabinets were refaced with natural cherry wood, while the new countertops were installed in Desert Sand, an updated hue that, next to the cherry-wood cabinets, gives the kitchen a warm and inviting feel. The laminate flooring in maple adds even more overall visual accord. Together, each of these elements makes this new kitchen a wonderful place for the family to gather and enjoy their time together for years to come.