How do you cook up a custom kitchen?

Story by Judy Goppert ~ Photography by Craig Keene

Tom Stumpff, owner of Stumpff HomeWorks, has crafted the process to perfection. Every kitchen remodel he does offers him a unique palate to play with, from start to finish. No rinse and repeat in his repertoire!

He is open to all remodeling ideas and listens to his clients and can fulfill almost all their dreams, including installing a pool a few years ago for a repeat client. Which is why he prides himself on many repeat clients and great reviews.

“I began my career at age 23 after spending my school days scribbling and coming up with ideas. It’s pretty amazing what life can present you!” he continued. “This kitchen in a historic Hyde Park home led into a bigger project in the same house. While we were working on the kitchen design, our clients decided to update the hall bath, then change a bedroom upstairs into a full bath after discussing design possibilities and costs with us.”

He explained that the old kitchen was a bit of an eyesore from another remodel in the early 90s. They had lowered the ceilings down a foot, continuing, “A chimney ran right through the middle of the space to serve the stove at one time and was currently just serving the hot water heater. We took it down and installed a space-saving tankless hot water tank. This was quite a project. Not only did we do away with gas fumes, we added space.”

A previously closed window in the laundry room was opened up, allowing natural light to fill the space. A 3/4 bathroom off the kitchen was transformed into a stunning powder bath, with the rich dark green walls complemented by a white pedestal sink and applied deco molding for added ambience.

The bath reconstruction allowed kitchen space for a quaint coffee station, the perfect place to start the day. The breakfast nook houses an antique table and two chair settee, a welcoming find by the homeowner. Located by the patio door, views of the backyard are enjoyed as morning coffee is sipped.

Stumpff’s experience with renovating historic residences allowed him to use his expertise on design while preserving the home’s old-time charm. New clear alder cabinets were stained a darker black color and the walnut-top island received a clear coat finish. The matte black refrigerator blends beautifully with the cabinetry. This transformed kitchen remains period appropriate with all of its modern amenities.

“We had to work with great detail to make sure everything blends well,” Stumpff reiterated.

Featuring a natural beeswax finish, the linear island with its brushed gold counter height bar chairs allows for seating of five. It was narrowed down to allow clearance when walking around in the kitchen. Spacious 15 inch drawers are located on the sink side of the island, providing the depth needed for dishes and pans.

“It is all brand new, custom made for that space. As mentioned, we worked with a stain and paint look, trying to make it look like an old kitchen while modernizing the space,” he added. “We widened the opening to the kitchen to blend with the large pocket door on other side of dining room. We also added 12 inches by refeeding the HVAC which creates a nice grand entrance to the kitchen. When you are in the family room looking in, you have a nice view of the kitchen.”

Old tile flooring was torn out, replaced by hardwood that was laced into the existing wood flooring. Re-sanding and refinishing the whole first and second floors completed the look.

An induction stove was installed, which heats faster than an electric range or gas top. The house also has solar panels which the homeowners use to their advantage.

“When we do the design, I’m the one going through the detail, structure and layout. Jennifer Kanan, my design assistant, selects countertops, tile, paint and all the finishing products,” Stumpff mentioned. “We pride ourselves on our look and timeless design is what we strive for.” This home is a testament to that dedication.