You know how some things begin with love at first sight? Well that definitely wasn’t the case for this project. In fact, it was the opposite. Our Sunrise Meadows project is proof that a great renovation may be all you need to fall in love with your home again. The existing kitchen, dining, and living room were impractical for our clients as they entertained frequently. There was hardly any natural light, a very awkward floor plan, and outdated stone walls that dominated the space. They even considered moving thinking the space was too far gone.
Although the space was very difficult to work with, our clients were amazing - allowing us creative freedom to design our dream kitchen. Despite it sounding amazing, it was equally overwhelming. We wanted to make sure the space represented them, because they would be the ones living in it every day.
Through discussion, we learned they loved entertaining, cooking, and hosting large parties.
Because hosting was something to design for - the living, dining, entertaining, and cooking spaces of the project all exist within one open space. However, we didn’t want the open concept to result in a lack of identity. Therefore, careful attention and individuality was given to each area to truly characterize the space.
Since the new footprint was very long, we decided to break up the kitchen into two functions - entertaining and cooking. Through further sketches and iterations, the unusually long area reserved for these purposes was connected through the incorporation of double islands - an idea actually proposed by our clients! These islands are meant to serve as a gathering zone and bridge the space and conversation while hosting.
The cooking side of the kitchen is equipped with a Wolf range, integrated Sub Zero appliances, and stunning hood detailing. The entertaining side of the kitchen benefits from a wine fridge, hidden coffee bar, display shelves and smoked mirror backsplash creating beautiful reflections. Stunning polished nickel faucets and hardware are used throughout to contrast the dark cabinetry.
The living room was designed for comfort. A large Italian leather sectional grounds the sitting arrangement with its stunning texture and colors. Since watching football was an important activity, the tv was placed on an arm in a location that could easily be seen from any corner of the space. We wanted to balance out the large tv so it didn’t visually dominate the wall, leading to the larger-than-life linear gas fireplace. Both these features are designed to be enjoyed for entertaining a large crowd, while still feeling cozy and intimate enough to be used by only a few.
An eight foot long light fixture steals the show when looking at the dining space. The sculptural milk glass cones feel like an art installation rather than lighting. Below this lies the aged black oak table providing a more formal dining experience. The seating was chosen to not only be beautiful but also comfortable, which is why fabric seating was a must.
Discretely placed behind the dining table is the pantry, framed by steel doors with ribbed glass that can be left open to add visual interest or closed to provide privacy. The pantry was designed to provide a dark contrast in the project. This was achieved with a soapstone counter, oak cabinetry, and a dark paint color to set the mood. Ample open and closed storage was provided with shelving, cabinets, and basket storage.
All of these elements ultimately work together to bring what we considered a dream into reality. Moving is totally off the table. They are completely in love with their home.
