Kitchen Transition—Design Awards 2015 Gold, Kitchen Over $100,000

Kitchen Over $100,000

Biron Homes & Design, St. Charles, Ill.

Architect: Charles Vincent George Architects

Project Goals: Update a 1990s kitchen and rework the traffic pattern to accommodate large gatherings.

Challenges: The orchestration and installation of the cabinetry, millwork, and trim was the most difficult task.

Solutions: The kerf detail that runs seamlessly around the entire island was carried through to the drawer and door fronts; TV/pantry cabinets; and banquette face.

The pantry, broom closet, and two walls at the basement stairs were removed. The opening to the kitchen area was enlarged, and the doorway from the kitchen to the dining room was moved farther down the wall.

To meet the client’s storage, TV, and seating requirements, the remodeler wrapped continuous cabinetry from the dinette to the pantries and the interconnected walls. To facilitate large gatherings, there are two dishwashers, pull-out trash bins, two refrigerators, a warming drawer, and a run of base cabinets designed to store serving trays.

Lighted, open, curved display shelves behind the banquette highlight the client’s china collection.

What the judges said: “I loved the material selections. The creative application of a banquette with the built-in storage behind [is] one of my favorite details of the space. I also love the way the warm floor plays off the beamed ceiling.”

A traditional-style design updates a 1990s kitchen and reworks traffic flow to accommodate large gatherings