Kitchen Showcase: Water Disaster to Wow!
It’s not every day that an appliance catastrophe triggers a breathtaking kitchen transformation. “The family’s dishwasher malfunctioned, ruining the kitchen floors and lower cabinets,” explains Whitney Nelson, designer at Granite State Cabinets of Bedford. “Given the amount of restoration work, the client decided to remodel.”
Although spacious, the original kitchen came off as cluttered and disorganized. “The room did not flow well and didn’t really serve their lifestyle,” notes Nelson. “They also wanted a different look.”
Nelson enlarged the windows to bring in more natural light and make the space airier. By moving the refrigerator from one end of the room to the side wall, the appliance’s former location became the cooking zone. The walls were then wrapped with cabinetry, creating storage that rendered the kitchen more organized and streamlined. Dark ocean blue cabinets with creamy white quartz tops echo the foam of a wave. Painted the same color, the paneled refrigerator blends seamlessly into the cabinetry, as does the dishwasher. Limestone brick on the window wall adds texture while bringing in natural tones, like the taupe hues on some kitchen walls that complement the blue cabinets.
A focal point, the range hood is a smoky gray with copper strapping; it picks up the copper flecks in the countertops. Another eye-catching feature of the room is the huge central island, 10 feet long and 5 feet wide. “Initially, the client leaned toward a smaller option, but I encouraged her to go bigger to better suit the scale of the room,” explains Nelson. “The island provides space for storage and prep, houses a beverage fridge and has great seating for casual meals.” Done in walnut with the same quartz top as the counters, the room’s welcoming hub has the stature of a piece of furniture.
With the kitchen better organized, there is now space for a cozy conversation area in front of the fireplace.
Thoughtful details abound: Brass drawer pulls add a bright contrast to the dark navy cabinets, while introducing a subtle nautical theme that is also referenced by a sand-colored white oak floor. A favorite feature, says Nelson, is the two sparkling starburst chandeliers over the island. “The white ‘bulbs’ are actually pieces of quartz rock that pick up the other elements in the room.”
Now, the family enjoys a stylish kitchen that comfortably accommodates both daily life and special get-togethers—all because of a wayward dishwasher.
RESOURCES
Design and Contractor: Granite State Cabinetry • gscabinetry.com
Cabinets: Cabico Custom Cabinetry • cabico.com
Countertops: Cambria • cambriausa.com
Sink: The Galley • thegalley.com
