Cardamon Design – Contemporary Edge

The initial call from these clients was during COVID, while they were living in California. They purchased the home site-unseen and initially hired the Designer to select paint colors and furnishings. Following a site-visit the Designer reported back to the clients, and the consensus was to do a full remodel, with the Kitchen being the primary focus! The inspiration was to honor the American Empire style Architecture while juxtaposing modern elements and furnishings.

Step #1- revise the floor plan, which included reworking the Kitchen layout to create an open and inviting Kitchen. The original Kitchen had an awkward two-step Island with a spaceship looking ceiling detail (“Beam me up, Scottie”). The Bar-height Peninsula had many angles, maze-like access to the Kitchen and was not conducive to entertaining. Just a few feet from the Island, the elevator which could not be moved, presented a challenge. The Designer began by situating the Pantry next to the Elevator, the perimeter cabinets along the interior walls, and then worked inward to create an 13’ long Island with MSI Calacatta Leon counter material.

Step #2- add architectural elements that reflect the clients elevated design aesthetic- a back-lit drop-ceiling over the Island to create interest, and add “layered” lighting with recessed cans, Troy Lighting Pendants, and the soft glow of the backlighting above the “Cloud”. The cabinets are flat-panel E EGGER laminate, constructed by Generations Metier, the backsplash is Tesoro marble/ travertine linear mosaic, the refrigerator/ freezer are Sub-Zero, and the Stove Sub-Zero. A new Architectural window was added in the entry adjacent to the Kitchen, to “bring the outdoors in”. and to create architectural interest with the horizontal styles. PID Elyria wood flooring, and Sherwin Williams Incredible White paint on the walls were selected.

Step #3- Furnishing the Kitchen and Kitchen Dining, three options for each piece of furniture was presented to the Clients. For the Kitchen Island they selected the Vanguard Furniture Counter Stools, upholstered in Vegan-Leather (very easy-care). For the Kitchen Dining Nook a Hudson Valley “Saturn” Chandelier in Old Bronze finish is suspended above the 60” round Robert James Dining Table, and Jessica Charles Dining Chairs. A decorative cornice softens the space, and the hard surfaces of the mitered-glass windows.

A side note to this full remodel (Phase I), and Furnishing (Phase II), is that the Designer had to present everything via ZOOM, due to COVID. The Client’s first time seeing the home and Remodel, was at the Reveal… with champagne in-hand!