Executive-Style Kitchen Gets Added Cabinet Pizazz

Executive-Style Kitchen Gets Added Cabinet Pizazz

By John Filippelli

Therefore, with a considerable amount of creative freedom, DeJong chose a traditional design theme with a French flair, utilizing Showplace Wood Products cabinetry complete with modified depths, widths and heights, as well as custom configurations. He also specified items that were stained to match other items within the 210"x138" kitchen space.

Per the request of the client, the design theme was carried throughout the home, including the family room, living room and office area, to create a warm, cohesive atmosphere.

Focusing on function, DeJong integrated different convenience-oriented design elements, such as roll-out trays, pull-out wastebaskets, puck lighting for countertop space and tray dividers to ensure that the room was not only visually appealing, but also highly functional and easily trafficked.

Cabinet Connection
To avoid straying too far from the previous ambience, DeJong chose to install the cabinetry in a modified galley setting. To do this, an existing wall was removed on one side of the galley, opening up space for an island with a counter-sitting area.

The cabinetry Cherry Showplace with chestnut stain and ebony glaze is enhanced by a Roman arch featured in Showplace's Oxford door style, according to Scott Korsten, director of marketing services for Showplace Wood Products. To achieve a furniture-style look, DeJong used framed cabinetry with a full-overlay door. In addition, the cabinet drawer fronts were upgraded to five-piece construction.

As Korsten notes, "Selected cabinets were built taller and deeper than others in the run. By adding dimensional contrast to these cabinets, along with decorative base skirting, a more furniture-inspired look was created."

Raymond Enkeboll onlays and molding applications, which were used along with crown moldings, lend subtle accents to the design. Some cabinets also received Enkeboll knobs and pulls that were stained to match the cabinetry.

Several of the open cabinets offer beaded plank backs to lend a warmer aesthetic. Beaded plank was used on the ends of the kitchen cabinet base cabinet runs and under the counter seating area for a cohesive look.

DeJong created display cabinets as well by using mullion doors with glass inserts and 20-watt puck lights in display areas, which provide greater visual access and easy retrieval of items stored here.

Golden-oak granite countertops were chosen to complement the cherry cabinetry, which DeJong ordered from Syverson Tile. Installed around the eating area, the granite countertops feature a 3cm thickness as well as ogee edges for added design appeal.
DeJong notes, "The design of the countertop around the eating area is sculptured with a large sphere and two small radii that blend into the angled walls at the island."

Korsten adds, "The island was created to allow a counter seating area and to open the kitchen up to the adjacent family area." It is flanked on both sides by new floor-to-ceiling walls angled toward the family room.

Applied Science
By relying on the previously installed appliances, DeJong notes that he was able to save more space for the clients.
"The owners used the existing Kenmore appliances, such as the drop-in range, which stayed in the same location as the original plan," he says. "By using the existing range and space-saver microwave, [we] created more counter workspace for this design than if we'd used a cooktop and tall oven cabinet."

To blend the appliances with the cabinetry style and create an overall streamlined appearance, the Kenmore refrigerator received
side panels.

Storage Space
While the aesthetics of the kitchen were key, DeJong also ensured that storage space was readily available and that the kitchen was easily navigated. For instance, roll-out tray cabinets were placed on both sides of the Kenmore range for easy access to groceries and silverware.