Overview: The problem and remodeling plan
During a remodeling project nearly 10 years ago, this Twin
Cities couple created a wide open Craftsman-style living
room that had a wide open view of the lake outside their
door. This year, the couple was ready for phase two—the kitchen. It felt
dark, cramped and isolated from the rest of the house. Storage space was
at a premium and the appliances were outdated. And they wanted a space
close to the action (but not in it) for a computer and work area.
They were so satisfied with the attention to detail Tim Quigley of
Quigley Architects had shown with the previous remodel that they used
him again for phase two. Two things in their favor were the underused
entryway and the large but poorly designed half bathroom adjacent
to the kitchen. Quigley took advantage of the underused space and,
employing some ingenious space-saving ideas, created the open,
welcoming kitchen shown here.
The Craftsman-Inspired kitchen
This Craftsman-inspired kitchen took over
space from an underused mudroom and a bathroom
and put it to good use. An efficient floor plan and clever
storage allow this 200-sq.-ft. kitchen to live large.
Carving out new space
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Reach-in pantry
A glass-front pocket
door that slides into the wall cavity
instead of taking up precious floor space
provides easy access to a pantry occupying
a potentially awkward corner area.
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A multiuse island
This island serves as a food prep
area, a snack bar, a recycling center and a storage area
for pots, pans and other cooking necessities.
After a temporary kitchen was set up in the basement using the old
appliances, the next step involved downsizing the mudroom and the
bathroom to create more space for the kitchen. It meant sacrificing an
exterior door and a shower stall, but the result was an extra 60 sq. ft.
of kitchen space, along with a hallway/commons area wide enough to
accommodate the family computer center. The family took space they
rarely used and put it to daily use in their kitchen.
Crown molding and hardwood flooring were extended into the new
kitchen from the existing living room to help pull the old and new
spaces together.
Kitchen before remodeling
The Old and New Floor Plans
Compare the old and new floor plans to see how spaces were altered to create more room for the kitchen and how it was better utilized.
Space savers
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Multiuse built-in cabinet
This built-in cabinet has the look
of a freestanding bookcase and
provides convenient storage for
wine, cookbooks and collectibles.
The granite top allows it to do
double duty as a server.
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Angled drawer
This uniquely
designed drawer saves a few inches
that might otherwise be wasted.
It makes a perfect storage nook for
scrubbers and sponges where you
need them most—next to the sink.
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Appliance garage and glass cabinet doors
An appliance garage
provides hidden space
for often-used items
like mixers, toasters
and coffeemakers.
Glass-front uppers
provide display space
for collectibles.
Architect Tim Quigley was able to provide plenty of storage room
by utilizing every square inch of space. The large platform above the
double ovens, the shelf integrated into the range hood, and the glass-front
door panels in the upper reaches of the upper cabinets provide
display space without adding clutter. Other unique twists include:
- A reach-in pantry occupies a corner that might otherwise be wasted
space. A pocket door provides excellent access, and the frosted glass
panel fools the eye into seeing the space as larger than it really is.
- The recycling center is concealed in the centrally located island
cabinet, making it easily accessible to all parts of the kitchen.
- An open railing system, replacing part of a solid wall by the stairs,
helps visually open the space and adds to the “great room” feel.
- Drawers with full-extension glides provide complete access to the
contents within—even things hiding in the very back.
The mini office
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Office solution
This desk area provides space for a laptop,
bulletin board and records storage. It’s out
of the way, yet allows views of the kitchen,
dining room, entryway, stairs and lake.
The family needed a computer/desk area but didn’t want to dedicate
an entire room to it. They also wanted to keep this work space in the
flow of everyday life, both for easy access and to better monitor the
computer activities of their 12-year-old son. The solution involved
creating a wide open “commons area” large enough to accommodate
both the built-in desk and the traffic flow. The desk, in the same style
cabinetry as the rest of the kitchen, includes puck lights below the
arched overhead cabinet, a “cubby” for each family member, a file
drawer and a cork “backsplash” for posting the important events of
the day.
Lighting and brightening
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Windows and cabinet lighting
This window positioned above the double ovens
helps balance the light. Recessed, under-cabinet and in-cabinet
lighting keeps the kitchen well illuminated and spacious feeling.
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Bright focal point
This tile mural provides a focal point for the cooktop
area as well as for the rest of the kitchen.
Loads of light and bright finishes make spaces feel bigger, even though they’re small.
