I.E. Remodeling Solutions a Division of David Fabbo

Project Description

Client’s Goals

• Make an already large kitchen interior feel more open while maintaining a sense of intimacy.
• Allow two cooks to assist in meal preparation.
• Install appliances whose capacity can handle catered affairs.
• Include an island that would serve as a food prep center, as well as having seating for four.
• Favored the lightened look of maple wood.

Designer’s Solutions

• Remove the half the wall shared by the adjoining leisure room. While this yielded a more spacious feeling to the large room, it drastically reduced counter and storage in the immediate kitchen, as well as space for appliances.
• Angle in two walls to meet the work island, conforming the space to the kitchen. This retained the desired openness while increasing wall space and allowing for the Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer units to be placed in close proximity, with counterspace in between.
• Create a super work island with two sinks, two dishwashers, and ample counter surface for both cooks to work independently.
• Include seating for four on the outer perimeter of the island in close proximity to the workspace, yet separate from the general work area.
• In order to fulfill all of the island’s functional criteria, the structure became “aircraft carrier” size. The designer implemented the following techniques:
  • Create “negative space” with columns, bookcases, and enclaves to lighten the visual mass of the structure.
  • Create a dynamic design for the island by allowing the island to flow and conform to the room’s altered interior. This improved traffic flow around the structure, in addition to yielding a unique design.
  • Break up the mass of the island with two levels, 36” and 42” above the floor. This also accomplished several other objectives: a partition between the seating area and workspace, a six-inch backsplash area for placement of outlets, and a buffet area.
  • By using a darker wood and stain on the island, the visual mass of the structure was reduced, as darker colors are recessive in nature. A light stain on maple for the perimeter cabinetry also contributed to the feeling of openness in the kitchen. .

Cost
The total cost of the project’s cabinetry, counter surface, and appliances was $125,000. The project’s final cost was in line with the designer’s initial estimates. Large investments of this kind typically require customization of cabinetry and unique design concepts to fulfill a majority of the client’s wishes with minimum compromise. Also, when spending such a significant amount of money on a remodel, designers will often eat up any minor fluctuations in cost.

Products & Materials

Cabinets

• Custom, combination of framed and frameless case construction
• Cherry island with dark royal stain
• Maple perimeter cabinetry with white wash
• Polished brass hardware
• Two pull-out spice racks flank cooktop
• Cutlery inserts
• Tray dividers
• Roll-out shelves
• Pull-out drawers
• Swivel TV pull-out
• Undercabinet lighting
• Custom hood enclosure

Appliances

• Thermador double oven
• Thermador microwave
• Thermador cooktop
• Miele dishwashers (2)
• Vent-A-Hood 1200 CFM
• Sub-Zero 601F freezer
• Sub-Zero 601R refrigerator

Countertops

• Uba Tuba dark green granite
• Hand-cut Portuguese tiles

Flooring

• Limestone

Sinks and Faucets

• Elkay sink
• Franke sink
• Harrington faucets

Architectural Details

• Custom designed wainscoting
• Custom designed trim
• Custom designed columns