The personality and functionality of this kitchen has been creatively transformed to cater to the homeowners’ needs and lifestyle, and they are now living the dream at the lake!
Story by Ann Butenas | Photos by Bob Greenspan
Remodeling a kitchen can be a major undertaking, and the kitchen in this Lake Viking home was no exception. Essentially starting from scratch, everything in the space was completely gutted and rebuilt. With lead designer Katie Ott at the helm, this culinary haven now has the confidence to perform to its fullest potential. Designed by Ott, CKD and co-owner of Kitchen Studio, this project stands out as one of the most unique in her portfolio. Working with this lake-loving couple was a rewarding experience for her, and was one that just encouraged her to jump right in.
“We really enjoyed working on this project, as it wasn’t your typical kitchen redesign,” noted Ott. “The clients were fabulous and definitely offered their own style. It was a wonderful experience to create something unique and special for them.”
Ott’s clients not only wanted a space that would accommodate family and friends on lazy and cozy weekends when lake living just can’t be ignored, but they also desired an area that allowed them to easily work from home. Therefore, in order to create a comfortable, attractive and functional kitchen, Ott assembled a full collection of ideas and accessories to harmoniously tie the look together. It took a bit of sweat equity, but the end result is nothing short of perfection.
“This was a total gut job and complete remodel,” said Ott. “The pervious layout was quite choppy and did not allow for much functionality.”
Ott and her team built out the walls to allow for the stonework that frames the Wolf range. An island was also installed, as well as new flooring.
“The homeowner had someone else install the floors, which were formerly a mix of tile and carpet near the perimeter,” explained Ott, referring to the distressed-looking engineered flooring currently in place.
One of the main standouts in this kitchen is the range area. With the legendary Wolf range red knobs adding a pop of fun color, the uneven stack stone provides a relaxing rugged complement to the area. The backsplash tile, all hand painted, was arranged in a diamond shape to bring an artistic touch to the space. The custom Vent-A-Hood above enjoys an oil-rubbed bronze finish with a copper accent. A built-in shelf to one side is the perfect place to store cooking essentials and a cabinet with a door on the opposite offers additional storage space. Additionally, a pot filler faucet was placed on the back wall over the range to allow for easy access to water when filling pots while cooking.
Also part of the show-stopping performance in this kitchen is the multipurpose island. Topped with Caesarstone quartz, this piece is overflowing with options. It boasts a trash compactor on one end, a dishwasher, several tray dividers for storage, an apron-front (farmhouse) sink, and a large built-in walnut chopping block on the other end.
Because the owners work from home, Ott took those needs into serious consideration, especially since the owners do most of their day-to-day work in the kitchen.
“We had to make sure we provided ample lighting, as well as a big work space, to fulfill the homeowners’ unique needs for the area,” stated Ott.
In addition to generous lighting to brighten the work space, Ott installed a printer cabinet on the back side of the island; a drawer that tilts down with an interior roll-out; as well as a file cabinet. Other unique features on the island include a wine storage unit, two bottles deep, and pull-out storage for knives. The pendant lighting above was acquired by the homeowner.
All of the kitchen cabinetry, formerly pine-looking and whitewashed, was replaced with a rustic cherry façade, complete with knot holes and dark brown stain with a touch of highlight to create a distressed look.
Completing the look of this kitchen is the wall of windows overlooking the expansive outdoor deck and the lake just beyond. When fast at work in the kitchen, the owners can still enjoy a fantastic view of the water. The individual framed family photos placed above the windows, an idea of the homeowner, offers a warm and homey touch.
“This is their primary residence now,” indicated Ott. “And it is where they like to gather with their grown kids and grandkids.”
This kitchen was clearly designed for layers of functionality, and by creatively incorporating numerous elements and accessories, Ott was able to fully maximize the overall space.
Project: Kitchen Studio: KC
