This Queen Anne Victorian style home was built in 1889. Last remodeled in the 1980s, this kitchen was ready to be brought into the new century. St. Paul designer Amy Markus’ kitchen design features endless countertops, loads of cabinet space, and a Carrera marble island. In the room adjacent, a new mudroom is added for this busy family of four.
Although the team worked with the existing floor plan, swapping out the old for new makes it feel like a brand new kitchen. Additions such as custom storage options and a hood were also added, elevating this kitchen’s productivity.
Move the slider to see the transformation.
A custom hood cabinet with corbels is added to provide ventilation and capture moisture while cooking.
This client certainly had an eye for detail. Behind each drawer and cabinet is a fun surprise customized to this family’s needs.
Next to the sub zero refrigerator is a tall pantry cabinet with roll-out trays and custom interior storage options. Beneath it, drawers for linens and a vacuum sealer drawer used to prepare foods for use in the built-in Sous Vieve.
This kitchen uses several different forms of lighting to create an inviting, welcoming space and create a well-lit atmosphere for preparing meals, reading recipes, and easily grabbing ingredients from a shelf.
Just above the island hang two vintage-style pendant lights with white milk glass. In addition to the recessed lighting, the team installed under-cabinet task lighting. Two faux double-hung windows hang on each side of the stove and shine natural light into this bright and cheerful kitchen.
By moving the laundry room into the basement, this space could now be transformed into a much-needed mudroom. For everyday use, the hooks and shoe storage help maintain a tidy, practical space. Items that aren’t used as often can be tucked away in the cabinet or inserts located on the top shelf above the hooks.
A design feature loved by many: the kitty portal. This small opening is a clever detail to hide kitty’s litter box! Above it is a cabinet with shelving, and right outside kitty’s door are fresh food and water.
After relocating the exterior door, there’s now a straight shot from the garage to the new mudroom. So lookout, here come the backpacks, muddy shoes, and the kids’ favorite sport’s equipment! The added counter space or “drop-zone” is also great for groceries, keys, and everything else in-between. Bonus, a charging station for phones and tablets.
Designer: Amy Markus
Photos: Troy Thies
Lead Carpenter: Leaf Enz
Heart of the Home
This bustling family of four needed a space to enjoy quality time together. The kitchen, being a central gathering spot, needed to connect perfectly with adjoining areas.
Woodcrafted Charm
A 1926 bungalow in Macalester-Groveland is restored with a modern craftsman kitchen dining room remodel that improves the flow and design.
Historic Beauty
When the homeowners purchased their home on Summit Ave, renovating the kitchen was at the top of the list.
Classic Appeal
The flow and workspace are improved significantly. A warm and calming palette of colors makes the kitchen feel bigger and brighter, and the design will stand the test of time!
Mighty Small Kitchen
A fantastic solution for a small kitchen that was old, outdated, and lacked storage and counter space.
Modern Farmhouse
A 1925 four-square home in the Macalester-Groveland neighborhood undergoes a remodel. Installed are blue kitchen cabinets and stainless steel appliances, creating a very handsome kitchen.
TESTIMONIALS
Ethical and Committed
Ben has an excellent eye for design, and materials, and also knows when to ask the right questions. When we asked him to help find solutions to architectural issues, he found them. And he found solutions that made sense for our budget. Also, we were able to make major changes to the house, while keeping its “soul” intact. The new work blends in perfectly with the original design of the house while accommodating our needs as a modern family.
~ Mary and William Baker
