Remodeled for a Lifestyle

As the main intersection of the home, this space is brimming with inspiration.

Story by Ann Butenas | Photography by Matt Kocourek

Introducing an entirely new kitchen configuration into a home requires elaborate planning, insightful design elements, and heaping helpings of inspired creativity. This particular kitchen remodel made full use of those requirements and has since become a show-stopping centerpiece of this home.

Although everything in this remodeled kitchen catches the eye, one of its true focal points is the custom-made metal hood with a powder coat and brushed brass accent applied to it.

“Since the range is black with some brushed brass and stainless on it, we tied it together with the hood, even though both are made by different manufacturers,” said Katie Ott, CKD with Kitchen Studio: Kansas City.

In the cabinets on the perimeter on either side of the range, Ott incorporated a brass inlay to tie directly into the range, the hood and the countertop. This area is also highlighted with a dimensional tile backsplash.

“Some are flat; some have texture; and some stick out a bit further than the others, and no grout was required,” stated Ott.

Ott and her team oversaw the remodel of the kitchen, butler’s kitchen and master bath as part of a total remodel of the home. She also worked with local designer Doug Wells of Wells Design Studio, who was responsible for most of the finishes.

The island, which houses a microwave, trash pull-out, dishwasher and numerous storage spaces, boasts a stained walnut finish with a grayish tint, allowing the wood grains to stand out but in a more tone-downed fashion. When it came to the installation of the countertop, the sheer size of it resulted in visible seams. While this might have been an aesthetic issue for some designers, Ott employed her creative genius to transform the quartzite natural stone slab into a work of art.

“We liked the idea of creating interest with the seams,” indicated Ott. “Since we could not avoid them, we inlaid a piece of brass and made it flush.” As a result, the countertop is accentuated with pure artistic genius.

While this kitchen has a smaller footprint than the one in the homeowner’s former home, the space functions well for them. Ott effectively utilized every square inch available. For example, the homeowner desired a desk and supply station, and Ott beautifully delivered on that request.

“She wanted a place to file things, but not necessarily a desk at which to sit” said Ott, who designed the clever alcove area by the windows in which multiple storage cabinets contain file drawers, a printer and other spaces to store documents.

The tall wall of custom-made cabinets along one side of the kitchen is truly a multi-tasking design element. Created to align with the overall theme and style of the space, there is definitely a lot of storage capabilities at work here. However, there is more to this arrangement than meets the eye. A steam oven is hidden in one of the cabinets; one panel opens to the freezer and another to the refrigerator; and yet another panel is actually a door leading into a spectacular butler’s kitchen, outfitted in nearly all white and home to an extra dishwasher, beverage refrigerator and even more storage units.

“Since this is a Tudor-style home, the owners didn’t want to disturb the exterior windows. So, in this pantry, we ran a countertop right through the windows so it looks the same on the outside while offering counter space on the inside. This also allows for light to come in at the bottom,” explained Ott.

Understanding what clients want in a kitchen remodel is a top priority for Ott, and she definitely heard everything these homeowners desired in this popular spot in the home.

“We listen to our clients and pay attention to what they want,” she emphasized. “This also meant allowing for the maximum amount of storage, so we installed dividers into some of the cabinets to fit the most amount of pans.”