A Kitchen for Keeps

Smart design and timeless materials create a space that will serve well for years to come.

Now that their youngest child has graduated from college, the homeowners finally have the time and resources to bring their dream kitchen to life. They always hoped to change the inefficient layout and outdated elements in the room and longed for an elegant space to accommodate their changing needs. Thanks to a complete overhaul, the dream has blossomed into a beautiful kitchen that's easy to navigate and easy on the eyes.

The makeover scores high on looks-furniture-style cabinetry, black engineered quartz countertops, and a marble backsplash-but functionality is the real star.

The reconfigured floor plan untangles an awkward knot of appliances to yield an efficient work triangle. A wall between the kitchen and adjacent sunroom was removed, making plenty of space for a casual sitting area and a peninsula for a small breakfast bar. The homeowners had an additional layer of concrete poured on the sunroom's floor in order to bring it flush with the existing hardwood floors in the kitchen- creating a smooth transition.

These days the kitchen is the showplace of the house, and the couple couldn't be more thrilled with its classic style and user-friendly nature. "We got everything on our wish list, for now and for later," says one of the homeowners. "We're looking forward to a lot of happy years here."

Cool It

Featuring French-door styling and bottom-mount freezer configuration, the stainless refrigerator is great for the homeowners, who love to cook with fresh foods and store minimal frozen goods.

Painted the same color as the walls, this wooden kitchen cart provides storage and an additional work surface.

What they did

The Challenge:
- An unwieldy floor plan made the kitchen inadequate for family gatherings and impractical for future use. Outdated appliances and cabinetry, mismatched finishes, and timeworn surfaces detracted from its appearance.
The Solution:
- A revamped layout and the removal of a wall between the kitchen and sunroom make the space airier and the workflow much more fluid. New cabinetry, hardworking appliances and countertops, plus task lighting and ergonomic fixtures, elevate the kitchen's style and functionality.

Out In The Open

Woven-wood Roman shades offer textural interest and filter sunlight.
The black engineered quartz countertops are durable and low-maintenance. They will not scorch or scratch and do not require sealing.
A small peninsula between the kitchen and sunroom provides an ideal spot for family and guests to sit at the bar without overcrowding the kitchen.

"This area is free-flowing from the dining room through our new kitchen to the sunroom."
Raised-panel cabinetry with a rich cream-colored glaze lends a bright traditional look.
"I used to spend as little time as possible in our kitchen. Now, you can't get me out of it."

Finishing Touches

Round beveled knobs and classic easy-to-grasp cup pulls wear a dark pewter finish that echoes the black countertops.
A pullout kitchen faucet lets the user channel water to any spot in or near the sink, and the water sprays with the touch of a button. The faucet also has a single-lever handle, which is easy to use for anyone, including those with limited hand strength.

Smart Solutions

Good design and ease of use are natural partners, and today's trends show an increasing overlap between the two. Consider these tips to bridge form and function in your kitchen and other rooms for design that will last.

Proper Lighting. Layered lighting that provides sufficient illumination can reduce eyestrain. In this kitchen, recessed lights in the ceiling brighten the overall space; under-cabinet and pendant fixtures direct task lighting where it's needed.
Sleek Surfaces. Besides possessing timeless appeal, hardwood floors are easier to traverse than bumpier surfaces such as tile and stone-especially for those who need assistance. Low or zero thresholds also are key. Here, the adjacent sunroom's concrete floor is flush with the kitchen floor (shown above, left).
Right Height. A dishwasher raised to waist height (shown above, right) allows the homeowners to load and unload it without bending over. Elevating appliances above floor level makes them easier to operate, but requires careful planning. Because they'll sit higher than the countertop and cabinets, allow for another element above, such as cabinetry or (as in this kitchen) a microwave oven.
Ready Access. When buying kitchen appliances, choose side-by-side or French door--style refrigerators, and look for ranges and dishwashers with front-mounted controls. These options better serve family members who need to work while seated, such as in a wheelchair.
Ready Access. When buying kitchen appliances, choose side-by-side or French door--style refrigerators, and look for ranges and dishwashers with front-mounted controls. These options better serve family members who need to work while seated, such as in a wheelchair.
Functional Faucets. A single-lever sink faucet requires minimal hand strength and is considered an ergonomic feature. Installing a pot filler near the range eliminates the need to carry heavy pots of water from the sink.
Easy Cooking. Crafted in the same style as the cabinetry, a powerful hood above the new gas range whisks away steam, smoke, and fumes, helping to keep the air in the home clean. A pot filler puts water right at the cook's fingertips when needed. Full-width cast-iron burner grates give the flexibility to place pots and pans anywhere on the cooktop.

For more ideas on designing and remodeling your kitchen, order a free kitchen renovation planner at Lowes.com/KitchenPlanner.

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By:Lowe's Creative Ideas

Posted: March 29, 2011

By:Lowe's Creative Ideas

Misty,

Thanks for reading! To get a thorough, personalized answer to your question, you'll want to talk to a kitchen specialist at your local Lowe's. We recommend that you bring in a photo of your kitchen so they'll have a better grasp of your situation and how you'd like to fix it.

Good luck!

--The LCI Team

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Project Illustration (672.38KB, PDF)

Skillset: Advanced

Rough Cost Estimate: $30,035*

Cabinetry, countertops and backsplash: $22,020
Appliances: $4,095
Plumbing: $2,445
Lighting: $475
Paint: $125
Accessories: $875

Rough Time Estimate: 1 month**

Cabinetry, Countertops and Backsplash

cabinets (Shenandoah, McKinley, Maple, Square, Cream glaze, special order)
cup pulls (Shenandoah, pewter, Model 3105PW, special order)
knobs (Shenandoah, pewter, Model 3103PW, special order)
quartz countertops (Zodiaq, Mystic Black, special order)
marble backsplash (Blizzard White, Model MABLWH1212, special order)
pewter-colored grout

Appliances

refrigerator (Whirlpool, French Door, stainless, Model GX5SHTXTS, #250565)
dishwasher (Whirlpool, stainless, Model DU1055XTSS, #253428)
30-inch slide-in gas range (Whirlpool, stainless, Model GW395LEPS, special order)
microwave (Whirlpool, stainless, Model GT4175SPS, #87210)
microwave trim kit (Whirlpool, stainless, Model MK1177XPS, special order)

Plumbing

sink (Moen, Lancelot, stainless, Model 22378, special order)
faucet (Price Pfister, Ashfield, rustic pewter, Model T529-YPE, special order)
hot-water dispenser (InSinkErator, satin nickel, Model F-GN1100, special order)
pot filler (Westbrass, two cross handles, pewter, Model 34682, special order)

Lighting

10 recessed lights
5 under-cabinet lights
pendant lights (Royce, oil-rubbed bronze, #210681)
wall plates (Lutron, stainless; #21069; #239640; #239642)

Paint

(Valspar Signature Colors, Martha Stewart Colors, Cardamom MS244, eggshell)
- SR713 Dried Hydrangea
(Valspar Signature Colors, Martha Stewart Colors, Sweet Woodruff MS114, semi-gloss)
- 7002-5 Statuesque

Accessories

shades (Levolor, Banana Leaf 81974, special order)
kitchen cart (natural wood, #202450)

*Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market.

**Does not include lead time for special-order materials. Availability varies by market.

Lowe's Installation Available Lowe's can provide guaranteed professional installation of appliances, cabinetry, countertops, sinks, faucets, flooring, and lighting.