Spectacular Renovation - Kansas City Homes & Style

Ingenuity was at the foundation of this Blue Hills kitchen remodel.

Story by Ann Butenas | Photos by Matthew Anderson

When homeowners request something highly unique and tailored perfectly to their artistic lifestyle, the experts at Schloegel Design Remodel definitely know how to deliver.

Desiring a more open concept, the homeowners, whose passports seem to be their favorite books, wanted to take their love for adventure and translate that into their home. The numerous artifacts collected from their travels and displayed within their home deserved a one-of-a-kind place to be showcased, and this unparalleled kitchen remodel reflects the homeowners’ passion for worldly desires.

Located in Blue Hills Timber Trace subdivision, this home enjoyed a whole house remodel in 2017, and when the homeowners contracted with Schloegel Design Remodel, lead designer Donna Kirsopp, CKBR, was in for the opportunity of a lifetime.

“I had a blast with this one,” she smiled. “It was so great to do something as cutting edge as this project.”

Kirsopp and her team took a formerly generic and white kitchen with raised panel cabinets and just one window over the sink and completely transformed the space. Now, an entire row of windows provides ample natural light and a great view of the golf course beyond. The removal of an entire back wall, coupled with the installation of a vaulted ceiling and some sky lights, opened up the space and allowed it to easily develop its own personality, thanks to a variety of textures and materials that were creatively incorporated.

“It’s not traditional or transitional,” stated Kirsopp. “It’s definitely something you don’t see much of in Kansas City!”

Cutting edge may even be an understatement. No matter from which angle you view this incredible space, the “wow” factor continually kicks in. First of all, the live-edge table provides quite a focal point.

“I worked with a woods specialist out of Denver to get this Claro Walnut slab,” stated Kirsopp. “These trees don’t even exist anymore.”

Another piece of wood rests above the range. “That is the end piece of the island, the end that was cut off the table top,” indicated Kirsopp.

Attention to the appliances was not overlooked, and the collection was quite extensive, including an induction and gas cooktop, a steam oven, a microwave drawer and a warming drawer. Built in to the cabinetry are a full-size dishwasher and a French door refrigerator.

Then there is a prep kitchen just off the main kitchen. More than a prep space, it boasts ample storage, perfect for keeping additional appliances. The prep kitchen also houses a full-size convection oven, under-counter refrigerator freezer drawers and dishwasher drawers, which are perfect of the homeowner’s juicing needs.

“She is a yoga teacher, lifts weights and loves to juice,” explained Kirsopp about the owners. “He loves to cook, and they both love to entertain. This space works well for both of them with respect to what they like to do.”

The exterior wall’s base cabinetry houses the large single-bowl sink, dual trash, and integrated dishwasher. The transitional height cabinetry located at the end of the full wall of base cabinetry was the anchor for the live-edge table, as well as serving as a storage area at the patio door for all the barbecue tools one could need.

Moving the table farther away from the kitchen work area allowed for an ample island and plenty of walk space around.

“The island makes up for the loss of wall cabinetry and houses all the dishware,” said Kirsopp.

The remaining exterior wall features the cooking area, with a high-capacity hood. All large appliances and tall cabinetry are located on the interior wall with a counter coffee bar area providing landing space between ovens and refrigerator. At the end of the wall of cabinetry, a side access full height dish hutch was designed for service to the dining room and close access to the kitchen dishwasher.

With such incredible detail and superior craftsmanship, this kitchen delivered on all counts.