Elegant Monument Ave Kitchen

The Challenge

This beautiful and historic home on Monument was built in 1913 and has spent time as both a single family home and apartment building throughout it’s 107 year long history. This family of four had just come back stateside after living in London for several years when they purchased this home, and they were determined to meld some of the European charm they loved with the home’s traditional architecture. The awkward perimeter walls created a tough layout, with a disjointed work triangle that made it difficult to cook as a team. They wanted a kitchen perfect for eating meals together as a family, but also serve as multipurpose when needed.

The Solution

A simple black and white color palette sets the stage for this 1920’s inspired kitchen. White painted cabinetry on the perimeter with a black stain for the island sets up a simple contrast that calls to their European inspiration, while the high backsplash topped with tile chair moulding is a modern take on traditional paneling. Grabbing your eye as you walk in the room are two custom made shelving units hand-crafted by a local Richmond metalwork company, Small Axe Forge. These shelving units are not only beautiful focal points, but also functional pieces of art, with ample storage space for everyday dishware. 

Another problem our designer, Allison, was able to solve: shifting the layout to make space for a large island, banquette, and computer desk. The island is perfect for a quick snack or breakfast before school, and the banquette is the ideal spot for family meal time. The computer desk has definitely come in handy during the pandemic, as it was another dedicated space someone could use to get some work done. Another hidden solution, our shop manager built a custom radiator surround to perfectly blend what is usually an unsightly feature to be hidden under beautiful artwork. Tying the room together, the gold accents found in the hardware and lighting add a perfect pop of warmth, while the fixtures themselves call to 1920’s European bistro style. These homeowners were able to work with their designer to create a space that not only suited their needs, but helped them recall fond family memories for years to come.  

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Fully Custom Remodel in Henrico

The Challenge: A young family of four with two bustling preteen boys knew their kitchen wasn’t working for them. A cramped space for a family that loves to cook together was surrounded by a large eat-in dining area and sunroom. Though the space was an open-floor-plan lover’s dream, there was simply not enough storage or prep space in the kitchen itself. Coupled with a desire for an updated look in their kitchen, this husband and wife team enlisted the help of one of our designers to make their space meet their needs. On top of all that, they had a 6 month timeline for the entire project for their son’s Bar Mitzvah! 

The Solution: Coming in just under the wire, by moving the kitchen into the former sunroom and redesigning the eat-in dining area, the first floor was completely transformed. Adding floor-to-ceiling pantry cabinets as well as shallow base cabinets for arts and craft storage in the dining area created a multifunctional room that flows through to the kitchen and family room beyond. The new kitchen still has the feel of the former sunroom, with sunlights and large picture windows running the length of the back wall. While these windows contrast with the dark and textured engineered veneer cabinetry, they don’t allow for much wall cabinetry. This created limited wall storage space, which is why the pantry cabinets in the dining room is the perfect solution. The large island with seating for four is the perfect gathering space, both for Bar Mitzvahs and family dinners!