Holyoke Project | Charlotte Kitchen Renovation
After many, many appliance delays, we’re finally here! Our Holyoke Project is wrapped and photographed and we’re so happy with the outcome and our client’s are too!
The Layout
At Elkins Interiors, we pride ourselves on creating new layouts and floor plans that work better for our client’s lifestyles. Eliminating unused space and adding storage and function is always our top priority. With our Holyoke project, that was the goal. Take this small, tight, dated kitchen and revamp into something functional and beautiful. This is where we started. The kitchen had been given a face lift about 5 years before we were called in. Visually, it was a cute kitchen with marble countertops and a nice backsplash. However, the cabinets were original from the 60s and had seen better days. (They had been re-faced at some point, so they look newer than they are.) They were lacking storage as there was no pantry space and really needed more counter space.
The breakfast area was rarely used and the home also had a formal dining room connected to the kitchen. I immediately felt we could lose that seating space and use the entire room for the kitchen by shifting some things around. The large windows near the breakfast table were a problem – too low to add cabinetry. We knew we’d need to make some structural or exterior shifts to create a place for cabinetry. We didn’t think we needed to open any walls on the interior. With this space being 12’ x 20’, I knew we could work within the existing space which always helps with budget.
Below is a photo of the same direction of the photo above. What. A. Difference. The storage, the counter space, the appliances – such a great outcome.
The windows were the biggest change which allowed for a complete layout revision. We created incredible symmetry with the windows by mirroring the window on the right. The sink was relocated to the island and the range actually stayed in the same place. This kept the symmetrical theme in play and created balance. The subzero refrigerator tucked neatly on the left side of the kitchen, while the double ovens fit in nicely on the right.
We were able to create a 7 foot island with seating for 3. Even with the large island, we maintained more than enough clearance around the island to accommodate multiple people in the kitchen at the same time. The island boasts a pull out trash can and cute open shelves on the back to hold lots of cookbooks.
As far as cabinet functionality, we added all the bells and whistles – on-counter appliance storage, pull out trash, roll out shelfs in the pantry, pulls out spice rack, narrow pull out for pan storage, and drawer inserts for silverware and utensils. And of course, lots and lots of drawers! All the functional details were included.
The Design
The client really wanted to go with white for the cabinetry which can be stunning. I am definitely not against a white kitchen. They can look great. It can be made unique with different materials and design selections. However, I did want to show them something a little different and out of their comfort zone. When presenting design concepts, I showed them a very light gray. I suggested to go a little bolder on the island with a soft black. This ties in our black finishes to the rest of the kitchen. We opted for a shaker door with simple beading on the inside stile and rail. This gives the cabinet style a little detail and tied into some of the traditional elements and millwork in the home.
We kept the original oak floors a warm brown that ran throughout the rest of the home. This kept the space from feeling too neutral or cold. I mixed knobs and pulls and varied the pull sizes based on the drawers which create a more customized look.
To make the island feel more custom and more like a piece of furniture, I designed it to have furniture style baseboards on all sides. We did not do this on the sink side so that it still had the function of a toe kick when washing dishes. I also added decorative door panels on the sides of the island which is another way to make your cabinetry feel more customized. I urged (begged, really) the contractor to keep shoe molding off of the beautiful new cabinets. It’s something I really have a problem with. I know it has it’s purpose, but I just can’t. We try to specify that the toe kicks and base moldings are added after floor install or refinishing so we don’t have to deal with the shoe. It is a hill I am more than willing to die on!
Can we talk about this countertop and backsplash?! How stunning is this quartz? Running the countertop up as the backsplash is a great way to create a statement – I mean look at the veining placement! It’s also a way to eliminate grout cleaning or staining behind the stove. This beautiful Monogram drop-in range and custom range hood are also statement pieces making this kitchen feel high end, clean, and ready to prep a fantastic meal!
We are so in love with how to Charlotte kitchen design turned out. We are really proud of creating a space that functions so well for this small family!
To get in touch with our design team about your own project, please fill out our inquiry form.
J A I M E E L K I N S
Owner & Principal Designer of Elkins Interiors
Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, Jaime is a interior designer and owner of Elkins Interiors. She is also an artist, graphic designers, and serial home renovator. Now on their 7th renovation, Jaime and her husband spend most of their time on designing and renovating their own homes – when they aren’t designing for their clients. To get in touch with Jaime about your own design project – fill out our inquire form here.
M O R E F R O M T H E B L O G
