FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In
Design

Spotlight on Textures

An Oregon contractor wrestles more function from his small vintage kitchen.

By Jay B. Lane Issue 231 - Kitchens & Baths 2012

Synopsis: Contractor Jay B. Lane had worked on everything from decks to bathrooms, but he had never before tackled a kitchen remodel. An opportunity presented itself when Lane decided to remodel the kitchen in his own home, which suffered from a shortage of daylight, the absence of an island, and a poor layout. Lane began by changing the layout so that the sink, fridge, and range were within easy access of each other. He did this by removing a wall to create space for the fridge, then adding an island to center the kitchen’s work area. The island is topped with a copper counter and has a built-in range, lighting controls, and a microwave tucked into one side. Daylight comes from a motorized skylight and new windows over the sink. The new kitchen benefits as well from Venetian plaster on the walls and ceiling, and green glass tiles with copper accents that cover the area around the sink.

I got my start as a contractor in 1996 building fences and decks. Over the years, I progressed from doing remodels of bathrooms, entryways, and front staircases to starting my own window and door company. It wasn’t until recently, though, that I got to apply my skills on my own house, specifically my tired old kitchen.

Never having remodelled a kitchen before, I teamed with Melissa McCall of McCall Designs to assist me with the layout. The footprint of this small space was complicated by the six entryways that all converge at the kitchen. On top of that, I really wanted an island a center piece both to define the work area and to offer a place for guests to gather while the meal is being prepared. Of course, storage and natural light were both big items on my list.

Squeezing out every inch of space

My whole idea with the layout was to create a freely flowing space where a couple of people could work at the same time. To minimize distances, I grouped the work triangle of sink, fridge, and range all within easy access of each other. Now I can reach everything I need for prepping food, washing and storing dishes, and cooking without having to walk more than five steps. This way, guests can sit at the island and give the cook some elbow room. It’s where everyone gathers for evening cocktails.

The new island houses a Jenn-Air gas cooktop/electric convection oven, and a microwave is tucked into one side. (Hiding the microwave minimizes its visual impact.) I chose a range with a downdraft vent because I thought a hood would make the kitchen feel small. Unfortunately, a downdraft vent is not as effective. The laws of physics dictate that the suction of the fan tends to pull the flame (and heat) away from the pan. Furthermore, the suction really cannot pull the smoke from the top of a pan. It does work satisfactorily with the grill side, however. Installation was easy because the basement isn’t finished; I just ran the vent to the exterior of the foundation.

In addition to being the kitchen’s focal point, the island is also the control center. I installed the room’s lighting controls next to the microwave. The texture on the back of the island is a cloverleaf pattern stamped onto heavy-gauge steel panels that I also used on the bar-cabinet doors. Available in many hardware stores, the material is typically sold in sheets and is used to build radiator covers. My shop mate, Jason Crawley, built the custom-size cabinets. If I’d gone with standard counter-depth cabinetry, I’d have lost a precious 2 in. of space in the galley walkway.

For more photos, drawings, and details, click the View PDF button below:

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
×

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
View PDF

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Exterior Materials for a Midcentury Home

Travis talks with the architect about his thought process for choosing the materials that create a functional and seamless aesthetic for this house.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • Convert a Porch to a Mudroom
  • Replacing Old Shingles with a New Metal Roof
  • The Story of Habitable Attics
  • Turn Up the Heat With Induction Cooktops

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Video

View All Videos
  • Podcast 547: Basement Insulation, Historic Preservation Resources, and Shipping Container ADUs
  • How to Design and Assemble Rustic Oak Kitchen-Island Brackets
  • Podcast Episode 183: Work Trucks, Workshops, and Painting Brick
  • Podcast Episode 125 — French Doors, Kitchen Remodels, and the Gamification of Home Building.
View All

Kitchens

View All Kitchens Articles
  • Turn Up the Heat With Induction Cooktops
  • Simple Drain-Line Plug
  • Compact Concealed Fridge
  • Lantern-Style-Tile Jig
View All Kitchens Articles

BOOKS, DVDs, & MERCH

Shop the Store
  • 2022 Fine Homebuilding Archive
    Buy Now
  • Pretty Good House
    Buy Now
  • 2023 Tool Guide
    Buy Now
Shop the Store

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 318 - October 2023
    • Make Mudsills Square and Level
    • Turn Up the Heat With Induction Cooktops
    • The Fine Homebuilding Interview: Lloyd Alter
  • Issue 317 - Aug/Sept 2023
    • Finishing Drywall With Seamless Results
    • A Flat Roof in a Cold Climate
    • Compact Cordless Shop Vacs
  • Issue 316 - July 2023
    • Timber-Framed Solar Canopies
    • Build a Transom Above a Stock Door
    • Understanding Toilet Design and Efficiency
  • Issue 315 - June 2023
    • How to Craft a Copper Roof
    • 5 Lessons from Building in a Cold Climate
    • The Advantages of Cellular PVC Siding
  • Issue 314 - April/May 2023
    • 7 Options for Countertops
    • Tool Test: Wood-Boring Bits
    • Critical Details for Ductless Heat Pumps

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok
  • twitter

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences

Taunton Network

  • Green Building Advisor
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Fine Gardening
  • Threads
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Copyright
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2023 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Shop the Store

  • Books
  • DVDs
  • Taunton Workshops

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok
  • twitter

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in