They wanted more storage, a more open plan and a brighter kitchen. The existing rectangle wouldn’t fit all the amenities the homeowners requested, so I began to work with one of the L-shaped options. On a whim, I placed the freestanding range diagonally, with the back centered on the inside corner of the L. Just for fun, I drew triangular shelves behind the range at the same height as the back, jutted an angled counter out on each side and placed a half-round eating area around the corner. I spent about an hour filling in the rest. Then I did a “real” design and used that for my estimate. I presented the more conventional layout to them, then for a lark showed them the “funky” design. They said, “We LIKE funky!” We ultimately chopped off the inside of the L and placed a diagonal wall there for the range, but the wraparound layout works beautifully and opens up the space visually and spatially.
-
Seating for three, roomy and bright food prep area. All photos by Don Smith-Weiss
-
The curved panel above the sink use conventional materials for a custom look. Lazy susan-mounted doors in the corner bases are diifficult to align, but once set blend right in with inset cabinets.
-
The cook is surrounded by work surfaces and can converse with folks in the seats while keeping them out of the way.
-
The design done just for fun that morphed into the final version
-
Plenty of storage, light and charm
