Remodel Tampa Bay Spring/Summer 2015

The yellowing cabinets were
falling apart. An outdated
fan hung from the low
ceilings and the very poor lighting
did little for the space. Entertaining
was one of the key requirements
for our clients’ new space. They
wanted a welcoming place to
prepare meals while chatting with
guests. Our homeowners wanted
functionality, symmetry and a
“wow” factor. They are thrilled
with the gourmet kitchen we
designed and created for them.
We were challenged by the
load bearing walls between the
dining room, family room and the
kitchen. Because the home had
been remodeled several times over
the years there were ceiling joist
and roof trusses blending together
in a few different directions. The
as-built drawings held no insights
to the true layout, but after a bit
of engineering and design work
we were able come up with a cost
effective solution. To open things up
we added a 6” steel beam across
the length of the kitchen and “WOW!” what a transformation. The dining
room and family room, adjacent to the kitchen, were no longer separated by
these load bearing walls that were hiding a beautiful window and a spacious
inviting room. This allows for easier use of the kitchen and full access of
all their new stainless steel appliances. Additionally, instead of our clients
having several different levels of flooring, we were able to level the flooring
to ease the flow of traffic throughout the kitchen and living area, as well
as create a cohesively uniformed, visually appealing look throughout the
entire home.
The steel beam is a 6” masterpiece. It allowed us to bring the ceiling
up to its highest possible level, without a complete reconstruction of
the roofing system. Additionally, the use of Icenine in the flat section
of the roof was the best solution to keep the house cool despite the
constant Florida sun. In combination, these items saved the homeowner
a tremendous amount of money, while still maintaining the integrity of
the roof structure.
This new enlarged kitchen features custom solid wood maple
cabinets (no prefabricated boxes) finished with crown and a frieze to
the ceiling. All drawers are 5/8” dovetail with full extension slow close
glides. Extra storage space was provided with the bump out over the
refrigerator. The wood three-tier spice rack rollout and the double trash
pullout are added space savers. All new energy efficient stainless steel
appliances adorn the kitchen including a hidden microwave on the
opposite side of the island. A solid unfinished Sapele countertop was
purchased online. It was then cut, molded and stained onsite. We were
able to facilitate the custom cabinet trim so that it would hide the new
6” steel beam. The matching garbage disposal counter-top air switch
adds convenience and is very discrete.
The rich cherry color of the
hardwood flooring, which was
installed with a horizontal pattern,
gives the room rhythm. The
cabinets with their classy white
color compliment the floor for
symmetry in the room.
The use of LED lighting, both
internally in the custom glass door
cabinets, as well as externally
underneath the cabinets, gave
the kitchen a bright feel and also
provided our clients with more
than enough lighting for all of
their kitchen needs.
A new energy efficient low-e
impact window was installed to
the side sitting area adding style
and functionality. The casement
style allows the home owner to
open the window with ease and
let in fresh air.
This gourmet kitchen with
exquisitely crafted cabinetry has
allowed the homeowners’ ideas
to come to life. It greatly opened
up the flow of the home both
visually and functionally.
18 Remodel Tampa Bay Spring | Summer 2015