The Shepherd’s Kitchen Remodel

The Challenge:

Update a 1980’s kitchen without affecting the new tile floor that the Shepherd’s had replaced recently.  Mrs. Shepherd also wanted to replace her small built-in oven and microwave that was just too small for baking.   She felt that her existing kitchen was poorly lit, even with all of the overhead lighting.  It was also very difficult to change the light bulbs in the “drop ceiling,” so many times they were just ignored when they burned out making the lighting even worse.  And finally she wanted the kitchen to open up so she could enjoy being a part of family gatherings and conversations with their guests when they entertained.

The Solution:

Co-Designers Mark Anderson of Persona and Cathi Maltbie of Unique Interiors knew the best way to start this update process was to eliminate the wood framed, fluorescent “drop ceiling” and the cabinetry obstructing the view over the peninsula to open up the view.  Since Mrs. Shepherd did not want to replace all of the cabinetry, the cabinet refacing process by Renew was used to give the base cabinets a new look.  All of the base cabinets received a new Vintage Oak veneer face to the cabinet and new matching solid wood doors and drawer fronts were installed.  The back and side of the peninsula also received new custom raised panel treatments to further compliment the new look.  By using a lighter Vintage finish on all of the wall cabinets, the new built-in oven/microwave cabinet, as well as the refrigerator built-in cabinets, a dramatically brighter and user friendly kitchen was achieved.  The new look was further enhanced with the granite countertops, an under-mount sink with a stainless steel faucet, and beautiful tumbled marble mosaic tile in a basket weave pattern on the backsplash.  The general lighting was enhanced with the use of recessed lighting in the ceiling and Xenon under-cabinet light fixtures.  The new vent hood provides excellent lighting over the cooktop while preparing meals without the visual obstructions of the original kitchen.

Products Used:  

Cabinetry:  Renew by Showplace Wood Products in a Vintage Autumn Oak finish.  The door style is the Hamilton.  The new cabinetry is also from Showplace in a Vintage Linen Oak finish with the Hamilton door style as well. 

Countertops:  The Granite countertops are Spectrus

Plumbing Fixtures:   Blanco Silgranite composite sink in Anthracite with a Luxart kitchen faucet with a pull out head in brushed stainless steel finish. 

Backsplash Tile:  A beautiful tumbled marble mosaic in a basket-weave pattern. 

Appliances:  The stainless steel vent hood is the Arc Layers by Zephyr /  Cooktop: GE Profile Induction  /  Oven/Microwave: GE Profile  /  Refrigerator:  GE Profile