The Challenge

John and Linda Courtney needed room to hold their family dinners each Sunday. With 13 (or more) in attendance, the small dining area wouldn't’t seat everyone comfortably. Linda, who loves to cook, was frustrated with the lack of storage and inconvenient design of the kitchen. Although some improvements had been made on a previous remodel, it still wasn't’t meeting her needs. To top it off there was a room next to the kitchen that was being used for storage. Unfortunately, it was also the first sight to greet guests as they entered the Courtney’s foyer. The couple had lived in their home for 21 years and had considered moving but couldn't’t find an existing place they liked as much and didn't’t want to build a new house.

The Solution

Take out the walls that divided the kitchen, dining room, and storage area to create one large, multi-functional space. An enormous island in the kitchen provides much-needed storage as well as additional counter space and a seating area with five bar stools. Although the dining area, (not shown) changed little, it is now easily accessible and open to the kitchen.
Linda wanted the final result to appear as if the remodel had always been there, so the cabinets are stained espresso, sage and putty with a slightly antique finish. The use of three distinctively different colors creates interest while preventing the space from becoming too dark. Two ovens, granite sinks and a garden window are just some of the features that make this kitchen practical as well as stylish. The stove, located on the island, is equipped with an exhaust fan that rises from the surface at the press of a button, and then conveniently disappearspears when not in use.
The front room that was once an embarrassment to the Courtney’s is now a welcoming space with a built-in buffet proudly displaying Linda’s dish collection. A cafe table by the window adds charm, functionality and a view of Linda’s beautifully landscaped yard.

The Professionals

A kitchen remodel such as this one doesn't’t come together by itself. It takes a designer that listens to the homeowner, knows his craft and has the ability to see past the existing to envision what can be. The Courtney’s were fortunate to find just such a designer at Persona Kitchen & Bath Solutions. They could not be more pleased with the work performed by Mark Anderson and his crew. “They were incredible,” Linda said. “Very considerate and professional. They cleaned up the area each day before leaving and they were here every day until the project was completed.” The entire remodel, once construction began, took only eight weeks to finish. The key is in the scheduling. When Mark takes on a project, he plans for every detail so his crew is always on the job. He also uses the highest quality materials and works with professionals he can trust to do the job right.
The hardwood floors are by Robbins Hardwoods, in the hand-sculpted Hanford Collection, with the Victorian Bronze finish. Superior Hardwood Flooring installed the floors on the diagonal in the kitchen and continued into the living room for continuity.” The counter top at the Island was Cambria Quartz furnished by Rainbow Marble and Granite. The Sinks were the Blanco Silgranite collection provided by Ferguson’s. The main counter tops are Wilsonart’s Deepstar Bronze. The Crossville, Emser and American Olean tiles were installed by Greg Tracy.

~MAYLENE FLETCHER  Focus Magazine
photo by Steve Gerig
Before photos courtesy of Mark Anderson, Persona Kitchen & Bath Solutions