Step inside a modern-day version of the historic hearth rooms where families once gathered for warmth and sustenance. This kitchen renovation resulted in a true gathering place and multipurpose room that is cozy and comfortable.
This 20 x 20-foot space once contained kitchen, breakfast and laundry areas, all separated by walls. After knocking out some of the walls, the same space now incorporates a more functional kitchen, pantry, and home office nook with space for reading, entertaining and watching TV. For added comfort, the living area is furnished with a fireplace, a Persian rug, bookshelves, and a reversible-top game table also used for casual family dining. It's now truly a "hearth" room where family and friends can gather.
Functional Design Serves Many Activities
A primary design strategy behind this project was to break down barriers and redefine areas by function, making a more practical, enjoyable, open living area. The resulting design has several clearly defined zones, such as food preparation, cooking, sink, storage and display, eating, and planning. Note the creative functionality built into this flexible, adaptable space:
A multi-level island (photo 1) divides kitchen and sitting areas while leaving the room open for casual conversation and entertaining. On one side, a cabinet in the island houses a TV and VCR. On the other side, across from the range, the island includes an extra sink and additional counter space.
A modern range hood (photo 2) defines the cooking area, where a built-in oven and cooktop are enhanced by design details such as rope moldings and an extended work surface.
The dishwasher was raised six inches above the floor for easier loading and unloading.
Plate and cup racks (photo 3) over the double sink offer convenience and give cabinets an old-world look.
A walk-in pantry offers surprisingly abundant storage with Spice Drawers, open shelving, drawers and single door cabinetry.
The planning zone includes a part-time home office tucked into a nook just off the sitting area.
Attractive interior windows allow natural light to shine into the office and pantry areas.
Furniture-like Cabinetry Makes it Cozy
Perhaps most notable when you look at this enchanting room is how the cabinetry almost looks like furniture. With creative use of moldings, finishes and other details, the room captures the look and feel of a cozy hearth room.
"The placement of cabinets with the look of freestanding furniture is a design that is both practical and visually appealing," says Merillat's New Product Design Manager, and co-designer of the room. "We wanted to give the impression that this is a collection of special pieces, lovingly accumulated over the years," he says.
Designers further enhanced the room's charm factor by adding details and mixing different finishes. From floor to ceiling, each element contributes to create a room where the whole family can gather in comfort for many different activities. Here are some examples of the stylish touches, along with cabinetry that projects the inviting look of furniture:
- The island stands on large bun feet, giving the room charming character.
- A brown glaze was rubbed over the island cabinet's warm green finish for deep color and texture.
- Rope molding, rosettes, and decorative carvings add interest to the cabinet faces.
- Maple cabinetry offers classical styling, mixing beadboard-insert doors on the island with traditional raised-panel doors elsewhere in the kitchen.
- Other cabinets have an oatmeal-hued finish and glaze for visual interest. Fireplace edging and adjoining Mullion Glass Door bookshelves are made of cherry.
- The refrigerator is concealed behind cabinet door fronts allowing it to harmonize with the rest of the kitchen.
- The floor is a red oak-style laminate with the look of rough-sawn boards. The same color is used on the island countertop for visual balance.
- This project is a great example of how attention to detail and a little forethought can yield a design that results in a beautiful and functional gathering place.
Floor plan - Before and After
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