Recent Projects: The Open Floor Plan Kitchen and Polished Bath

Watch any home improvement show or take a quick glimpse into any recent home buyer’s ‘must have’ list and you’ll see a common thread: a request for an open floor plan. Open floor plans have been at the forefront of interior design priority lists for years, allowing homeowners the space and set-up they need to interact with family, decorate and entertain. One of the common pitfalls of this design element? The omission of separating elements which then creates one communal space instead of separate areas for various purposes.

Creating a ‘flow’ and relationship between spaces that feels organic is not a simple task; it takes attention to detail and an understanding of how each room will be utilized and the journey the homeowner will take throughout the spaces each day. According to our kitchen expert, Rick Bechtel, it is crucial that contractors not only listen to client requests and industry trends, but that they also make suggestions founded in experience that help accommodate the existing family dynamic and everyday movement in the space. For example—the family who cooks and eats together may appreciate an open layout with a serving island and a couple who entertains and prefers to serve plated meals in a dining room may prefer a more private cooking space.

One of our most recent kitchen and bath projects touched on these very concepts. This client’s goal was to achieve an organic, open floor plan to create a functional, communal cooking, dining and living space that didn’t feel too vast. They also wanted to incorporate more functional storage while creating an environment that didn’t feel disconnected or over-planned. To accomplish the customer’s goal, the National Lumber kitchen and bath team utilized Starmark cabinetry and the many creative storage solutions that they offer.

By relocating the kitchen and incorporating the existing family room/main living area, they were able to combine the things they love: cooking and family. They were also able to add something they desperately needed: functional, attractive storage. Once reworked, the new kitchen featured creative corner cabinet storage, pull-out spice storage, pull-out cooking utensil and knife storage, multiple drawers for more organized itemized storage, maximized tray storage with dividers above steam/microwave oven, pull-out double trash/recycling, an integrated coffee system, and a ‘pot filler’ faucet above range.

The new kitchen also features built-in refrigerator/freezer units, an integrated paneled dishwasher, integrated paneled refrigerator/freezer drawers, an apron-front farmhouse sink, an enclosed, paneled professional hood vent, double-thick stone tops with a waterfall peninsula edge and full-height splashes which not only looks great, but is also easy to clean and maintain.

To design this kitchen required frequent site visits to confirm measurements and clearances, in-store design consultations to view several styles and finishes and in-depth research on appliances to ensure fit and function. Due to the hard work and vast experience of our design team, we were able to exceed expectations, transforming the space into a chic, comfortable and useful environment. We used Starmark Cherry Bridgeport Modern Full Overlay (in Driftwood Stained Finish) cabinetry in the kitchen and Ultracraft Walnut Shaker with the International Overlay (in Natural Stained Finish) in the bathroom area.

Creating an inviting, functional space for everyday life as well as entertaining family and friends is not an impossible task with help from our kitchen and bath team. We understand the balance you seek when working to build something that fits your needs but is also intimate and comfortable. Meet with our team to get started on your dream kitchen