Designer Kimberly Kerl of Greer, S.C.-based Kustom Home Design was tasked with opening up a constricted kitchen and making it fit for entertaining, while also melding the new design with the original space.
The existing kitchen had a dysfunctional U-shaped layout and was cut off from the rest of the home by a wall with a large fireplace.
The new layout is open to the living and dining areas, making it much easier to entertain guests.
Anchoring the large space, the island features a design reminiscent of a table and includes creative storage solutions like a pull-out trash bin, recycling center, a narrow pull-out for wraps and bags and deep drawers.
“The homeowner was in love with the idea of having a large wooden top for the island,” said Kerl. “The size of the island also made a wood top a natural fit because stone would require a seam.”
“Aside from the island, my favorite part of this design is the unique ‘hidden’ pantry closet that is concealed behind what appears to be standard pantry cabinet doors,” said Kerl. “When the doors are opened, they reveal a large walk-in pantry rather than a cabinet-depth chef’s pantry.”
The homeowner found the backsplash tile, which echoes an aged and whitewashed brick.
The design includes a bread box, which is accessible from both the pantry and the kitchen counter. This way, items that are used routinely are easily accessible without having to walk into the pantry.