OLD-WORLDCHARM and Modern Amenities
THE HOMEOWNERS LOVED the character of their early American, Williamsburg-inspired colonial, but the kitchen was dated and lacked charm. It also didn't take advantage of the home's setting. “The kitchen was essentially ‘landlocked,' without clear views to the lake,” explains Matt Retzak, project designer and coordinator at Bartelt. The Remodeling Resource .“It was important that their home' s hub have the best views.” When they came to Bartelt Remodeling, they had three clear goals: design a space to accommodate entertaining, create better connection between the indoors and outdoors, and emulate the charm of the home's other interior spaces.
The couple quickly got to work with R et zak and interior designer Heather Scott, going through different iterations of design for a more functional floor plan and an aesthetic that embodied their personal style and the home's Old World charm. They ultimately landed on a design which would transform an underused three-season room into a sunroom, offering more livable space year-round. The homeowners opted to move their dining room table to the new sunroom, allowing them to build a hearth room where the table once sat.
Walls were removed and a large opening connects two vital entertaining spaces: the kitchen and sunroom. Floor-to-ceiling windows with transoms and a vaulted ceiling offer stunning views to the lake and treetops. Neighboring these spaces is a hearth room that boasts a gas fireplace with a concrete MagraHearth mantel that mimi cs wood, tumbled ledge stone and custom, built-in cabinetry. Vertical shiplap adds texture and character, and a large patio door connects indoor and outdoor living spaces.
The renovated kitchen is a reflection of the homeowners' personality and the home's original character. “Every detail was thought out to add texture, warmth and charm to the space,” says Retzak. The kitchen features a large island, custom cabinetry, hand-painted terracotta tile, 4.25-inch Sheoga hickory flooring, paneled appliances, soapstone tops, Bevolo pendants and a custom plaster range hood. The homeowners opted for open shelving on either side of the range .“The open, knotty pine shelves allowed them to use a more meaningful amount of tile on this wall. They had ample storage in other parts of the space, so they weren' t sacrificing storage,” Retzak describes. It also gave them an opportunity to display commonly used items and create a collected look.
The knotty pine ceiling and beams that run throughout these main living spaces were hand-distressed on-site to recreate the original look of the home, adding character and texture and creating a seamless design. ◆