New Year, New Kitchen
News Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
A Westchester family gets a kitchen makeover that is stylish, functional, and fulfills their love of cooking.
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Photography by Peter Krupenye
What was once a drab kitchen with outdated fixtures and cabinets (below) is now the dream kitchen of this Westchester family. The homeowners imagined a design that was cozy and sunlit with a clean yet rustic vibe.
To achieve this dream, they enlisted local architect and design guru Carol Kurth and her team. Along with Jeff Eakley of Bilotta Kitchens, they were able to combine spaces to transform this kitchen into the real heart of this home.
Getting Started
The first step in the redesign was to assess what could be done to open walls and expand the space of the kitchen. “The new spacious kitchen concept was inspired by industrial chef’s kitchens and local farmhouses,” says Carol Kurth. “Reclaimed timber beams with vintage pendant lighting complement creamy white cabinetry and industrial steel detailing to create a luxurious backdrop for a busy family who loves to cook.”
Must-Haves
In order to create a stylish and functional kitchen in any home, Kurth says you need the following: flow, appliances that will stand the test of time, and great lighting.
Kurth says flow is paramount to any great kitchen design. “We think about convenience and workability,” says Kurth. A great flow can mean different things to different homeowners. To determine the right flow for each kitchen, Kurth says you must consider the lifestyle of the family.
“Some people are avid cooks and want not only function but a breathtaking space. Others are more interested in the kitchen as a design feature of the home,” she says.
In larger kitchens like this, creating appropriate work triangle zones makes for a more intuitive flow, says Kurth. The proportions of this kitchen redesign necessitated an oversized kitchen island. It measures 4’4”x 11’
This meant that the countertop was larger than a typical marble slab. “To create the island countertop, we ingeniously designed a stainless steel inset around the maximum slab size and added an inlaid metal border with a stone surround resulting in a dramatic oversized surface,” says Kurth.
For this family, who loves to cook, the island is the central hub for prep, serving, mealtime, and gathering.
Other must-haves for this homeowner were quality cabinetry, which came from Bilotta, stainless steel appliances and countertops for cleanability, great ventilation, and thoughtful allocation of drawers vs. cabinets.
Kitchen Challenges
And with every remodel, there are bound to be some challenges. The one Kurth’s team faced was with a New York State electrical code that requires a receptacle to be within two feet of the sink. “Given the expansive glass at the sink area, developing a location was a significant obstacle. With lots of ingenuity and talent from craftspeople, we integrated the wiring and outlets into the window frames,” pictured below. “A first time for everything!” says Kurth.
In the end, the team was able to include design details that are interesting, a flow that is functional, concealed storage solutions for spice racks, a coffee bar, and pots and pan storage, and the clients’ wish list.
The Team
Carol Kurth Architecture, PC + Carol Kurth Interiors, LTD, Architect and Interior Designer
Jeff Eakley, Senior Designer at Bilotta, Kitchen Collaborator
Legacy Construction Northeast LLC, Contractor
Jenn Andrlik is a freelance writer and editor who specializes in home design and architecture, and parenting. She is formerly the senior editor of Martha Stewart Living and executive editor of both Westchester Home and Westchester/Hudson Valley Weddings. She has worked for other titles, including House Beautiful and Parents. She has two children and lives with them, her husband, and beagle, Lucky, in East Norwalk, CT.
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