Designer Brenda Helms of Edmond, Okla.-based Edmond Kitchen and Bath was brought into this space to not only create a high-functioning layout but also establish an updated but warm and darker palette.
Before the redesign, the space had a very small island and a cramped table near a window seat. There was a lack of a focal point, and the views of a nearby lake were blocked off.
Once the pantry, a pony wall and part of a full-height wall were removed, the kitchen opened up to the living space, and there was enough room to create a large island.
The issue with designing a bigger island was figuring out how to still incorporate the breakfast area with the window seat. The design team decided the best route was to extend the island all the way down to the window seat to provide a countertop there and eliminate the need for a walkway.
“We also wrapped this table-height overhang all the way around the back side of the island to create a nice continuous line,” said Helms. “This also creates a lower work height should anyone desire to sit and do food prep.”
Since the clients wanted a warmer and darker palette, Helms recommended a rift oak wood in a warm gray and brown finish on the perimeter cabinetry, which is paired with a darker, brown stain on the island in clear alder called saddle brown.