1st Place Open Plan Kitchen, 2011 Design Competition
NKBA Puget Sound Chapter
Project location: Kirkland Washington
General Contractor: Riddle Construction & Design
Designer: Chris Riddle, Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer
Architect: J. Stephen Peterson & Associates, PS
Area affected: 550 sq. ft.
Overview
This contemporary Kirkland home boasts a fabulous view of Lake Washington, but the kitchen and great rooms where everyone congregates were outdated and cramped. The primary goal was to create a more spacious kitchen that was not only elegant but one in which the guests would feel welcome to participate in the food preparation or simply sip wine and enjoy the view.
Design Process
Designer Chris Riddle worked closely with the homeowner to develop the new design. After considering several options it was determined that the best solution was to incorporate an existing covered deck into the kitchen footprint and then reshape the space.
The removal of the exterior wall required the addition of a structural post and beam at the old wall location. A column was built at the island corner to disguise the post and hide an existing heat duct and electrical wiring. “What started out as an unwanted element in the space, turned into one of the focal points, simply by adding the mosaic glass tile” says Chris. “Plus it offered the perfect place to mount the TV as well as electrical switches” The structural beam, which hangs below the ceiling, was incorporated into a decorative recessed area which mirrors the island shape and adds visual interest to the room.
The new hub of the open kitchen is the large two-tiered island which allows for multiple activities at once, such as food prep, serving, dining or conversation. The perimeter “L” was designed to maximize the new space while providing ample workstations and storage throughout. At the client’s request, the countertop and microwave were raised to accommodate her tall stature.
A professional cooktop with decorative exhaust hood, pot filler, recessed niche and glass mosaic tile serves as the room’s focal point. Additional features include a wine storage and serving area, a curved eating bar with stainless steel supports and patterned tile floor. Materials were selected with modern lines yet organic elements for a Northwest contemporary feel. Radius solid slab cherry cabinets, Seagrass floor tile, Verde Oceana granite countertop, stainless steel appliances and curly tech pendants complete this kitchen.
Finance
For privacy purposes, this project cost will not be disclosed. A typical small kitchen renovation starts around $35,000, medium kitchens around $50,000 and large kitchens around $65,000 and up, depending on the scope of the project and material selection. Small additions run in the $10,000 to $20,000 range depending on complexity and this project included both. For the most part, the design and materials were finalized prior to the job start in order to arrive at the pre-determined budget. Unexpected water damage in the covered deck and floor joist did incur some minor add-on costs to the project.
Outcome
Overall this project went smoothly for the 4-month duration with the exception of the two-day delay to repair the water damaged areas. The homeowner, delighted with the new space, has already hosted several dinner parties and declared it a success.
"I had a fantastic experience with the Riddle team. They tell it like it is, but are flexible to try different ideas out. Having worked with bad contractors in the past, they were a breath of fresh air. Riddle Construction & Design was on time, quality conscious, and kept the job site very neat and clean. I have a beautiful and functional kitchen that I truly enjoy each day. I'd hire them again and plan on it!"
“The most important thing is that our client is thrilled with her new kitchen. Winning first place in the local Design Competition was just icing on the cake” says Riddle.
