Project Team
Architect: Benchmark Design Studio
Remodeler: Mike Schaap Builders
Interior Designer: Benchmark Design Studio
Interior Merchandiser: Benchmark Design Studio
Photographer: Chuck Heiney
Imbued with a sense of rustic and warm flair, this extensive renovation including a kitchen, hearth room, butler’s pantry, and dining nook, has resulted in a cohesive design with functional workspace and floor-to ceiling storage. Among the main objectives of this project were to unify the space with the remaining elements of the home, maximize the views, and create a destination for friends and family to gather.
The kitchen, hearth room, and dining nook initially embodied elements from a different style home, including natural wood cabinetry and trim, versus the rest of the home’s light and bright white, airy sense. Thinking about the home in its entirety, moldings, trim, ceiling beams, columns, and openings were thoughtfully integrated within the new design, ensuring a cohesive sense throughout the entire home. Hickory floors were added to the space, while the existing hardwood floors were refinished in other portions of the home to match accordingly. Through these many updated details, the remodeled portion now blends with the remaining elements of the home, while adding a new level of charm.
Reinvented with a rainbow of warm tones and a smarter floor plan oriented around the lake view, the kitchen provides a welcome respite. Relocating the stove directly across from the plentiful lake windows created symmetry as well as became a focal point with a shimmering faux finished hood made with real silver leaf. A similar backsplash and accent tile is show in various styles, slightly contrasting from each other and acting as a subtle backdrop to the striking fantasy brown granite countertops and stained alder island. Floor to ceiling custom cabinetry in a warm white shade alongside the newly concealed refrigerator maximize organization and clean up the clutter. The butler’s pantry was revamped to make an entertaining a breeze with the addition of an extra sink, dishwasher, new LED lighting and an oversized sliding barn door to close off the mess.
Part living room, part viewing platform, the hearth room was designed to effortlessly connect the kitchen and dining nook together, while all overlooking the water. Removal of a view obstructing wall from the dining nook to the hearth room was replaced with a lake facing window, opening up the space for bright sunlight and better movement. Adding warmth and coziness to the space without competing against the lake views, a cast stone fireplace and surround was installed with a television overhead. Thoughtful interior selections add casual furnishings that encourage ease of conversations between the room’s different zones and also optimize space for extra places to chat. Marrying the home’s traditional elements with whimsical flair, open cabinet fronts with antique wire, light fixtures with a natural and aged feel, and playful nickel hardware were carefully chosen to blend in with the surrounding landscape and a punch of delight to the space.
