Starcom Design/Build Case Studies: Kitchen and Family Room Remodel in Columbia, MD
Challenge
The hearth has always been the center of the home and, in today’s homes, the kitchen is the center of family life and entertaining.
The owner’s lifestyle includes frequent entertainment of friends and family – unfortunately in this 1970’s contemporary, the kitchen was hidden behind walls from the living room – the largest entertainment area - with it’s soaring vaulted ceiling.
Removing two perpendicular load-bearing walls – a challenge requiring the installation of micro-lam beams as joists for the floor above– succeeded in opening these two separate rooms to each other, allowing multiple traffic flow patterns and sight lines more conducive to large scale entertaining.
Solution
Shifting and re-orienting the kitchen allowed for a large kitchen island that includes the kitchen sink and a bar height granite table comfortably seating eight, ten in a pinch. Another four or five can be accommodated at a granite bar-top between the kitchen and living room with a view of the flat screen – perfect for hosting weekend sports parties. A 10’ section of countertop at the window makes a great buffet area.
With large windows & glass doors opening to the secluded back yard, the light filled kitchen allowed the owner’s to select dark espresso stained maple cabinetry and dark distressed engineered pecan flooring. An exquisite Alaskan White granite countertop caps the cabinetry and the sweeping chocolate and gold movement is particularly notable in the large island tabletop. The warm modern color palette is emphasized in the Chocolate Glass & Slate backsplash.
Our clients are extremely happy with their unique transformation and open kitchen concept. The quality of construction and design are outstanding and the value of their home has substantially increased.
