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A Kitchen for Keeps
Lowe’s Creative Ideas
January/February 2008
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(1.34 MB PDF)
Now that their youngest child has graduated
from college, the homeowners finally have the time and resources to
bring their dream kitchen to life. They always hoped to change the
inefficient layout and outdated elements in the room and longed for
an elegant space to accommodate their changing needs. Thanks to a
complete overhaul, the dream has blossomed into a beautiful kitchen
that’s easy to navigate and easy on the eyes.
The makeover scores high on looks –
furniture-style cabinetry, black engineered quartz countertops, and
a marble backsplash – but functionality is the real star. The
reconfigured floor plan untangles an awkward knot of appliances to
yield an efficient work triangle. A wall between the kitchen and
adjacent sunroom was removed, making plenty of space for a casual
sitting area and a peninsula for a small breakfast bar. The
homeowners had an additional layer of concrete poured on the
sunroom’s floor in order to bring it flush with the existing
hardwood floors in the kitchen – creating a smooth transition.
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These days the kitchen is the showplace of the house, and the couple
couldn’t be more thrilled with its classic style and user-friendly
nature. “We got everything on our wish list, for now and for later,”
says one of the homeowners. “We’re looking forward to a lot of happy
years here.”
What They Did
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The Challenge: An unwieldy floor plan made the
kitchen inadequate for family gatherings and impractical for future
use. Outdated appliances and cabinetry, mismatched finishes, and
timeworn surfaces detracted from its appearance.
The Solution: A revamped layout and the removal of
a wall between the kitchen and sunroom make the space airier and the
workflow much more fluid. New cabinetry, hardworking appliances and
countertops, plus task lighting and ergonomic fixtures, elevate the
kitchen’s style and functionality.
Finishing Touches:
- Round beveled knobs and classic easy-to-grasp cup pulls wear a
dark pewter finish that echoes the
black countertops.
- A pullout kitchen faucet lets the user channel water to any spot
in or near the sink, and the water
sprays with the touch of a button. The faucet also has a
single-lever handle, which is easy to use for anyone, including
those with limited hand strength.
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Smart Solutions
Good design and ease of use are natural partners, and today’s trends
show an increasing overlap between the two. Consider these tips to
bridge form and function in your kitchen and other rooms for design
that will last.
- Proper Lighting. Layered lighting that provides sufficient
illumination can reduce eyestrain. In this kitchen, recessed lights
in the ceiling brighten the overall
space; under-cabinet and pendant fixtures direct task lighting where
it’s needed.
- Sleek Surfaces. Besides possessing timeless appeal, hardwood floors
are easier to traverse than bumpier surfaces such as tile and stone
– especially for
those who need assistance. Low or zero thresholds also are key.
Here, the adjacent sunroom’s concrete floor is flush with the
kitchen floor.
- Right Height. A dishwasher raised to waist height allows the
homeowners to load and unload it without bending over. Elevating
appliances above floor level
makes them easier to operate, but requires careful planning. Because
they’ll sit higher than the countertop and cabinets, allow for
another element above, such as cabinetry or a microwave oven.
- Ready Access. When buying kitchen appliances, choose side-by-side or
French door-style refrigerators, and look for ranges and dishwashers
with front
mounted controls. These options better serve family members who need
to work while seated, such as in a wheelchair.
- Functional Faucets. A single-lever faucet requires minimal hand
strength and is considered an ergonomic feature. Installing a pot
filler near the range
eliminates the need to carry heavy pots of water from the sink.
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