Most storage is waist high in this kitchen transformation – Designer Michael Kaestner of Kaestner Designs used the “eyes to thighs” rule for placement – with the things the clients use on a daily basis and heavier items within easy reach. He specified door and drawer handles that would fit both of their hand sizes.
The refrigerator wall features lift-up cabinets for more efficient storage and two new sets of drawers.
What was once a poorly organized closet is now home to two custom pantries with rollout trays and decorative moldings that enhance the foyer leading into the kitchen.
At first the wife was not sure about having a secondary sink in the island, as she wanted it to be a large, clean surface from which she could serve food for family and friends. The prep sink’s function outweighed her doubts when Kaestner said he would place it to the side while offsetting it with the range so there was enough room for someone to be at each station at the same time. The designer collaborated with his clients to choose a natural granite countertop and a recycled glass backsplash feature behind the stove.
Because Kaestner said an all-white kitchen would not have enough impact, he offset it with pops of green for the island and refrigerator wall.
As far as issues in the “before” kitchen, the range was too close to the entry, the sink was on a peninsula that needed to be removed, there was an awkward cove between the study and refrigerator, and the lighting plan needed a major update.
Some of the cabinetry showed up with finishing imperfections, and Kaestner had to reorder several of these items.