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Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications®

Fit Your

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Dream Kitchen

+ pacK morestorage into a small bath

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how much Does a new Kitchen Really cost?

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PRICE GUIDE

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JUNE 2012Display until June 5

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Detailed trimwork and varied cabinet heights add architectural character to Adam and Christina Gill’s family-friendly kitchen.

An open floor plan offers practical solutions for a busy household. writer Kimberly isburg photographer Werner straube field editor megan Chaffin

small kitchens

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All in the FAmily

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92 kitchen And bAth ideAs jUne 2012

there’s always something going on in the kitchen at Adam and Christina Gill’s home in Wilmette, Illinois. The versatile room easily handles the day-to-day life of the couple and their two young sons, then shifts effortlessly into entertaining mode. “You can have a lot going on in the space that won’t interfere with the function of the kitchen,” says designer Vince Weber, who dubs the room ‘the living kitchen.’”

When the Gills set out to remodel the kitchen in their 1968 Colonial, their top priorities were a large eating area and a floor plan that opened to the family room. To that end, the plan called for bumping out the corner of the house about 10 feet and removing a wall between the kitchen and family room. Easier said than done, though: Inside that wall were important plumbing and HVAC lines to the home’s upper level. The solution was to zone the heating and cooling system, repurposing the original system to serve only the basement and main level, while adding a second, smaller system in the attic for the upper level.

With the mechanicals in order, Weber got started on a transitional design that would bring the space to life. Custom cabinets with a white enamel finish were the jumping-off point. The family didn’t want a lot of upper cabinetry, preferring to keep the look open. Glass fronts on countertop cabinets flanking

opposite: The custom cooktop hood keeps the emphasis on the room’s clean lines and crown moldings. Narrow pullouts on either side store spices and seasonings, while a niche in the backsplash adds interest and utility. above leFt: The corner pantry cabinet proved to be a multifunctional solution. Not only does it offer floor-to-ceiling, adjustable shelving, but it also conceals a laundry chute, which had to be relocated when a wall was removed during the remodel. above RiGHt: In addition to serving as a prep area and eating space, the island is home to the oven and microwave, plus additional cabinets with fully extendable and adjustable drawers.

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CoRneR pantRy

A built-in pantry unit—accessible on

two sides—adds functionality to an

unused corner.

Customized Cabinets

narrow cabinets flanking the cooktop

are ideally sized for spices and seasonings.

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TakeawaysVarying the heights and depths of upper cabinets adds visual interest.

1 2 3 4Subtle use of color keeps the overall scheme neutral.

A floor-to-ceiling pantry utilizes an empty corner.

A built-in eating area keeps hungry diners clear of kitchen work zones.

the sink maintain the airy feel, while open shelves in the corner provide easy access to dishware. Smart storage extends to the island, which houses a built-in microwave at one end. A floor-to-ceiling pantry unit in one corner makes room for other kitchen necessities.

To complement the white cabinets and keep the room feeling bright, Weber and the Gills chose green granite for the countertops and pale green subway tile for the backsplash, with a row of white ceramic beaded-board-style tile between them. Christina says the simple scheme adds visual interest without overpowering the space: “It’s a very neutral kind of green, so it has a relaxing, organic feel.”

The square footage added by bumping out the kitchen went primarily to an alcove with a large banquette—one of the family’s must-haves. The space has proved to be ideal for meals, homework, and family time. “It’s roomy and bright, and in the winter we can sit there and watch the snow falling on the roof through the skylights,” Christina says. “It’s very cozy.” kbi ResOURces begin On pAge 132.

above leFt: Statement-making lighting above the island was a priority for Christina. “The right fixture can elevate the look of an entire room,” she says. above RiGHt: Rather than have a vertical stainless-steel element drawing attention, the Gills opted to house the microwave and the oven separately in the island. opposite: The eating alcove is the family’s favorite part of the remodel. “We always have people eat in the alcove,” Christina says. “Lots of kids can fit in there.” The banquette seating flips open, piano-bench style, to reveal hidden storage.