Here is a kitchen that is getting an extreme makeover.
On the other side of this wall is a large, open family room and a big, beautiful window framing a spectacular view. The decision to remove the wall was an easy one to make.
The other decisions have not been so easy.
(The kitchen in its present state.)
Here are the givens:
- The homeowners plan to reuse the "like-new" oak cabinets even though it will take some very creative configuring.
- The ceramic tile floor with the stained grout will be replaced with something else--anything other than tile--maybe cork, or bamboo.
- The layout will change a bit, but the room dimensions will remain the same.
This photo of the kitchen was taken from the opposite direction. The table will be replaced with a stone-topped eating spot.
Currently, the house has a casual rustic feel, which the homeowners hope to preserve.
Selecting the right stone for the countertops is huge. It could make the difference between a kitchen that looks too "restaurant-y" (the husband's word), too formal, too busy, too boring... or just perfect.
This sample of Peacock Verde granite caught the couple's attention immediately.
The stone is mostly black, but not entirely so. It seemed to be just the stone that would give their new kitchen the simple, clean, and casual look they're after.
Our next step is a trip to the slab yard to take a look at a full-size slab.
WOW, SEEING THE ACTUAL SLABS CHANGES EVERYTHING!
(A bit of advice: Don't ever make your stone selection based on a sample!)
Here is a photo of Amazon granite.
It has rusty, copper-colored flecks that match the wood, but just like the Peacock Verde, it's still mostly black.
There are so many different options at the slab yard, maybe one shouldn't be too hasty. These golden-hued stones really bring out the wood tones!
Here's one possibility... Antique Gold
Here's another called Santa Barbara.
...and a third. Yellow River, I think.
When selecting a stone, it is helpful to "know yourself." After giving each of these slabs some serious consideration, our client comes to the conclusion that these golden slabs would look great--in someone else's kitchen!
Back to the blacks. This Volga Blue is beautiful. But it is so shiny. Will it look too fussy?
The homeowners love the honed finish of soapstone. And the surface feels so smooth, soft, and welcoming. Soapstone would help to create a friendlier, more inviting kitchen. The question is, will the kids be too hard on a softer stone?
The colors in this Juperana Carajas granite are spectacular! Yet because they are subdued, it would be an easy stone to live with...in small doses.
Here is an inspiration board using each of the different materials toward which the homeowners have gravitated. I must admit, this combination of colors and textures is pretty inspiring!
There are decisions to be made.
(Watch for upcoming posts to see how this project turns out)
