Remodel Spotlights: Kitchens

Now It’s Bright and Airy
The owners of this home had one major obstacle to pursuing their favorite pastimes of cooking and entertaining—kitchen and dining rooms that were far too small. The team at Lawrence Murr Remodeling solved the problem by relocating the dining room to the former living room and removing a wall between the existing kitchen and dining areas. The result is a grand multipurpose space highlighted by expanded windows and glass doors. Custom cabinetry by Cuisine Ideale in the peninsula hides audio equipment and has a conduit for a flatscreen TV while multiple food preparation surfaces designed by First Coast Granite, Marble & Tile make it easy to entertain and prepare meals simultaneously.

An Old World Oasis
When they approached Kristi Wyndham Designs for a makeover, the owners of this 1970s-era home were tired of their dark, outdated kitchen. So Wyndham’s crew and a team from Horn Builders transformed the space into an Old World-inspired oasis. Part of the wall between the kitchen and the living area was removed to create a large, L-shaped island that contains a GE Monogram under-counter wine cooler, a Viking cooktop and a Miele warming drawer. Masonry columns were used as accents for the new island while a rough-hewn cypress beam was installed to disguise ceiling support beams.

Stunningly Elegant
The basic layout and the appliances in this kitchen were acceptable, but the homeowners wanted more visual interest and more functional areas for serving and entertaining. Working with Lewis Blinn Contractors, the team at Kitchen Design Gallery installed new Merillat Classic cabinetry and Silestone countertops, giving the room an elegant feel. Taller cabinets were used to add more storage while a custom tile backsplash created a visual focal point. The expanded two-tiered peninsula, wrapped in bead board to add warmth and texture, has countertop space for a wine bar and seating area. New pendant lighting and tile flooring complete the transformation.

Packed With Panache
When the homeowners moved from a gated community in the heart of the city to an equestrian farm off a rural country road, they enlisted the help of Sisler Johnston Interior Design to turn a simple farmhouse kitchen into a room befitting a rustic estate. Solid walnut floors and alder cabinets with a coffee glaze were used while an 18-foot island was replaced by a new structure built to resemble a piece of fine furniture. Adding even more rustic panache: a distressed black-rubbed-to-maple finish on the cabinets, sculptured Italian golden granite countertops and a backsplash made of tumbled Italian limestone.

Updated for Entertaining
The owners of this country-club home wanted an updated space in which to cook and entertain. So they enlisted the help of Tom Trout, Inc. to transform the existing kitchen and adjoining hallway into a large, user-friendly open space. The inspiration for new custom maple cabinets came from a piece of furniture in the living room. Blue pearl granite countertops and a matching blue pearl tile backsplash were installed while contrasting granite was used on the 4-by-12-foot island, which boasts two undermount sinks and a split dishwasher. The cooking area features a Wolfe stove and a glass tile backsplash for easy cleaning. Custom floor-to-ceiling cabinets were built to replace the pantry.