We’re kicking off May with our Bloom Project main level remodel reveal, starting with the kitchen! Our kitchen and bath designer, Danielle Lardani, worked with her client to transform their dated townhome with an open-concept design, fresh selections and most importantly, higher quality cabinetry with adequate storage! Stay tuned as we reveal the other rooms of this main level remodel in the weeks to come.
Before
The story of The Bloom Project began on a Saturday afternoon in our showroom. Designer Danielle met her client who recently bought a townhouse, intending to downsize from the home she and her husband had lived in for 32 years. She came to Studio M Kitchen & Bath and hoped to find someone who could help them love their new home.
3D Renderings – Design Phase
Progress
After
Thanks to our photographer Chelsie Lopez for these beautiful photos of the completed project!
The goal of this main level remodel was to make the home feel cohesive, with an open-concept layout to go with the existing vaulted ceilings. This required taking out a wall in the main living/kitchen space to open everything up.
For the kitchen, the client was looking for a better design with improved functionality. She wasn’t sold on an earlier design they received before coming to Studio M Kitchen & Bath. She came to Studio M for professional guidance and was pleased to meet our youthful and energetic Danielle, who could give the project a fresh eye with a fresh take on the design.
Initial Goals for the Project
To kick off the design process, Danielle asked in-depth questions to understand her clients’ desired functionality of the space, and their storage needs and their lifestyle. They wanted their kitchen to feel light and airy while also maximizing storage. To help achieve this, Kitchen and Bath designers make effective use of innovative cabinet accessories. The clients also loved the look of mixed metals and wanted to incorporate various metal finishes into their project.
As the Design Developed
During the design phase, clients often see opportunities to make their space even more suitable to their needs, or wish to add features that they always dreamed of. Danielle’s clients had a few ideas:
They wanted 2-3 places to sit at the island, but because they have younger grandchildren, they didn’t want the seating right across from the induction cooktop. Danielle was able to configure the island seating on the far side of the island, away from the cooktop.
A larder cabinet on the countertop was essential to hide the clients’ small appliances. Danielle utilized a bi-fold door so it could be open in the mornings when it was in use for morning coffee.
The client desired a towel pull-out accessory in the cabinet adjacent to the sink. Kitchen towels are readily accessible, yet stay out of the way, hanging neatly while they air dry.
Another detail on the client’s “want” list was drawers under the sink and also under the cooktop drawers allow for efficient organization and easy accessibility for these aging-in-place clients.
A spice pull-out was a must!
The clients really wanted double wall ovens and a cabinet for tray/baking sheet storage above.
An integrated microwave drawer was selected to provide a seamless look.
Because of the limited number of upper cabinets and the desire to utilize every bit of storage space, Danielle designed one side of the island with an angled cabinet. This cabinet design met the NKBA kitchen walk-way guidelines but also, because it is located on the opposite side of the working part of the island, the client could utilize that space for seasonal storage.
Pantry
The pantry right off the kitchen started as a walk-in pantry with shelving and a standard door. The client felt that it wasn’t utilizing the space very well and disliked the big door that swung open. Danielle was able to design an integrated tall pantry cabinet with roll-outs for improved functionality. A specific request for the pantry was that the client would have a place to unload her groceries. An additional flat roll-out shelf was configured for her to do just that!
Before
After
“Leaving the house we built 32 years ago and loved was very hard, and I really didn’t think I would be happy anywhere else. But you created a design for us that feels like home, a place where we want to be, a place we’re proud of, and a place where we want grow old(er) together. We can’t thank you enough!” – The homeowners of the The Bloom Project
We are so thankful to have worked with these clients and had so much fun designing their new home. Danielle’s expertise in cabinet design and her bubbly personality resulted in a beautiful relationship with her clients and most importantly, a functional kitchen for clients who have become friends and raving fans for us!
The article’s mention of the client wanting a towel pull-out attachment in the cabinet next to the sink caught my attention. I do wish that my kitchen had a towel pull-out accessory. I’ll make sure to personalise my kitchen towels with my name and hang them properly to air dry.
