KBB

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September 14, 2017

Nothing – not even a cramped space or dated finishes – can stop an avid entertainer from hosting a meal. However, when two dogs are added to the mix and the number of family members and friends grows, the kitchen eventually needs to grow with the homeowner. This is where designer Jaclyn Joslin of Kansas City, Mo.-based Coveted Home stepped in to take a homeowner’s dated kitchen from crowded to clean and efficient.

“The original design was dated and worn out, with dark colors and inexpensive finishes such as laminate flooring,” said Joslin. “I believe the last remodel on the kitchen was done in the late 90s or early 2000s. The homeowner instead wanted an updated, sophisticated design that wasn’t too stuffy.”

The Homeowner’s Vision

Along with being a natural hostess, the homeowner lives with two rescue dogs. Since the dogs are considered important members of the family as well, the designer needed to consider their needs. Thankfully the client was helpful in outlining her requests.

One of the answers to including the dogs in the redesign lies just behind the stove, which used to be a small powder room and a laundry room. After getting rid of the bathroom – there is another nearby hall bathroom available – Joslin made room for a new walk-in pantry and a redone laundry room.

“The pantry has lots of storage for dog food and treats now,” said the designer, adding that this move also freed up space in the kitchen cabinets and allowed for a wine fridge and open shelving. “Plus the homeowner loves all the extra storage space for some of the larger but not as frequently used accessories, such as the blender or rice maker.”

Along with increasing overall efficiency in the kitchen, the homeowner preferred to keep the floor plan the same to stay under budget. This floor plan features a square format created by a peninsula with bar seating, a sink by the window and a range across from the peninsula. The refrigerator makes up the fourth part of the square, along with additional cabinetry and a beverage center.

“I normally create a floor plan and 3D renderings in Sketchup,” explained Joslin. “However, we did not change the layout of the kitchen at all, so a floor plan wasn’t even necessary.”

Improving Efficiency and Look

With the floor plan all set, the design team set out to improve the finishes and general efficiency in the kitchen without breaking the bank.

“We added a doubledrawer dishwasher, and the sink has some fun chopping board and strainer accessories,” said the designer. “It is nothing too fancy but is very functional.”

A dark gray Caesarstone countertop was brought in for its durability, and a classic white subway tile with beveled edges was installed for the backsplash in the bar area and behind the stove. Previously, the only area in the kitchen with any sort of backsplash framed the stove, so this continuation of the backsplash in another area of the kitchen – the bar/beverage center situated by the eating area – was a large improvement. Joslin also repurposed the old cabinets by painting them a custom light gray and adding new brass hardware.

“Hands down the biggest transformation and impact was the cabinet color,” she said. “The cabinets were previously a brick red color, and I think the new light gray brightens the room up beautifully.”

Source List

Designer: Jaclyn Joslin, Coveted Home
Photographer: Sarah Sweeney

Cabinets: Existing
Cabinet Color: Farrow & Ball
Chandelier: West Elm
Counters: Caesarstone
Dishwasher: Fisher & Paykel
Faucet: Newport Brass
Refrigerator: Existing
Rug: Turkish Oushak Rug by Aragon
Sink: Kohler

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