Kitchen makeover wins over family
Wall between the kitchen and dining room comes down to create space for the family
Typically, it’s “all the pretty stuff” — the tiles and textiles, finishes and furnishings — that most interest homeowners doing a renovation, says Claire Jefford, an interior designer who specializes in 3D renderings for space planning.
Recently, though, she’s noticed a shift in attitude and approach on the part of her clients. “More people seem to be appreciating how crucial planning is and making the investment in it, and understanding how (it can) save money during the renovation process,” she explains.
Optimizing space was the main goal during a recent kitchen/diningroom redesign Jefford did in a ’70sera Burlington bungalow.
Usable space in the existing kitchen measured about six-by-eight feet, making it cramped for a family of two adults and two kids who do lots of entertaining and enjoy frequent family dining, both indoors and in the outdoor pool area that abuts the main floor. A space-gobbling wall separated the kitchen from an underused dining room.
“There had been additions that made some awkward nooks and crannies, so it was even more challenging. It was pretty broken up and that really affected how functional it was,” says Jefford.
Jefford’s solution was to flip the position of the two rooms in order to enlarge the kitchen, a suggestion one of the homeowners initially strenuously resisted.
“She was adamant that she did not want that, but once she saw the virtual tour, she realized it was just so much more functional,” says Jefford.
The renovated kitchen, now about 15-by-11 feet, has room for a double oven, loads of upper and lower cabinetry, and a dedicated recycling spot. A generously sized island that can easily seat four also provides additional preparation surface, and a few inches were stolen from a closet to cheat the clean-lined look of a counter-depth fridge. The revamped dining area, which now measures about 20-by-11 feet, includes a repurposed table, a wet bar and sink, flanked by cabinetry, and a window seat that’s a perch for both people and pets.
Inspiration for the decor and palette came from the career of one of the homeowners, who’s a marine biologist. Jefford says while the homeowners are thrilled with the various decor elements of both rooms, it all started with efficient space planning.
“We can focus on the paint, the finishes, backsplash and fabric later. Ultimately, we have to look at how the space functions for people, and make sure it meshes with their lifestyle. We’ve got to get that right first.”