During the remodeling process, Dangler created a temporary kitchen for the homeowners using the old sink and countertop. He also made sure the lights were functional. It’s something he does in all his kitchen remodels, he says, to create a less stressful environment for the homeowners.

When John and Kim Holzman purchased their Manoa home in the spring of 2005, they knew they would need to remodel the kitchen. Splashed with swaths of bold aquamarine —what Kim calls “Florida blue”—the space not only didn’t match their personal taste, it also was cramped, dark and dysfunctional. For John, who is of above-average height, the kitchen was dangerous as well. One too many times he hit his head accidentally on the corner of the hood—a large, stainless-steel monstrosity hovering above the island. For all the trouble, the hood was purely for show; it didn’t vent anything. The dishwasher was useless, too, due to the cramped quarters. No one could unload it.

John’s recent retirement allowed him to tackle the remodeling project head on. He began by interviewing three different designers, among them Breck Dangler, CKD, of Dangler Design. John liked Dangler because he was honest, upfront and reliable. “We wanted a person we could work with, someone we could be a friend with after the process. Breck fit the bill”, says Kim.

The unusual construction of the Holzman residence presented a unique challenge for Dangler. Built with a structural insulated panel (SIP) system, the home is basically composed of rigid foam insulation covered with fiber cement board. Dangler met with local contractors who specialize in SIPs and brought them to the Holzmans’ house to talk about how to approach the remodel. “Breck really did his homework, so he knew what he was getting into,” Kim says. “We really appreciated that.”

Before

For their new kitchen, the Holzmans dreamed of a light and airy room with plenty of counter space. Storage was also an issue, so they knew they wanted quality cabinetry. John picked out cherry-wood cabinets from DeWils, supplied by Dangler. “DeWils makes cabinets to really precise measurements,” Kim says. And Dangler can be very precise. “He went back to check, and he kept on checking. He would check four times sometimes on the measurements, just to make sure.”

Dangler’s redesign utilized every inch of the kitchen to create a seemingly larger space with plenty of room for everything. He took out the island and reconfigured the countertop layout into a G shape. He moved the range to a back corner and installed a functional hood within a cabinet above the range. A piece of wall next to the refrigerator was removed to create a larger entrance into the kitchen. The wall outside the G-shape countertop was integrated into the kitchen with matching cabinetry, a built-in pantry under the stairs and a “drop-zone” area for keys, mail and the phone. To create maximum storage space, the kitchen cabinetry was extended all the way up to the ceiling, and extra cabinets were placed under the bar. Other bells and whistles were added, such as soft-close drawers, roll-out shelving, a spice cabinet and a niche for pizza and cookie pans.

To make the kitchen brighter and lighter, the window above the sink was enlarged, and lots of lighting installed. Recessed lights were placed throughout the kitchen, with undercabinet lighting on dimmers. A clean, alabaster-white Zodiaq quartz composite countertop rounds out the lightness with understated elegance, gently reflecting the morning sunshine.
“The kitchen really works. It’s what we wanted,” Kim says.
She adds, “John doesn’t mind unloading the dishwasher!”

Where to Get it

Designer: Breck Dangler, CKD, of Dangler Design
Cabinetry: DeWils, Carina door style, cherry wood, from Dangler Design
Counters: Zodiaq in alabaster, from Solid Surface Technologies
Flooring: Maple, from Renaissance Wood Flooring & Co.
Faucet: KWC, Domo in stainless steel, from Dangler Design
Sink: Franke, Europro 28” by 20”, extra deep, stainless undermount, from Dangler Design
Window: Proline casement, from Pella Architectural Products