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A waterfront home, on acreage with stunning water and mountain views started out in 1960 as a modest Mid-Century Modern home and was later expanded and redressed as a Craftsman-esque abode. The Kitchen addition felt like an afterthought with a floor area that was disproportionate to the overall size of the home, as well as the home’s entertaining value. An asymmetrical vaulted ceiling, poor lighting, no ventilation, inadequate storage and an inefficient layout, rendered the room a “one bum kitchen”.

The Clients wanted:

1. More: lighting/accessible storage/electrical outlets/usable counterspace
2. Proper ventilation
3. An ergonomic layout that would allow them to cook together
4. An unobstructed view of the water/mountains and dinner guests
5. To replace failing appliances and to add a few more

With two doorways into the kitchen from the living space, an odd pantry which housed a heating air return in the bottom 30”, a peninsula that cut the cooks off from guests, the layout was in desperate need of an overhaul.

By closing in the small doorway and sealing off the pantry on the kitchen side (which became a lighted art niche on the other side), sufficient wall space was gained for the extra appliances and desired storage. Removing the peninsula made room for an island with dish storage, tandem trash and recycling, a docking drawer power station, prep/buffet countertop and more, but most importantly an unobstructed view and connection to guests and the magnificent view.

Additional improvements included:

• Moving the dining fixture west to stop the exterior door from hitting the table and diners
• Adding functional and decorative lighting throughout
• Relocating the dishwasher and refrigerator (and installing the water shutoff in the sink cabinet) for better access
• Installing a proper ventilation hood
• To keep costs down, an inset threshold was installed at the remaining doorway, to isolate the refinishing of the hardwood floors to just the kitchen
• Updated finishes throughout