Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Hillcrest Kitchen Update and Gorgeous Banquette!

The historic Hillcrest neighborhood in LR is home to a brand spanking new kitchen!  Homes in Hillcrest are very much sought after and are sold at a premium price.  Rarely, however do they come equipped with premium kitchens, modern plumbing, or ample closet space.  My clients, who elected to tackle the kitchen first, understandably wanted updated appliances and modern conveniences, and both favored a much more modern than traditional feel.  Incorporating sleek surfaces and furnishings in a craftsman era home can be tricky and one must be careful not to ignore the architectural significance of the house itself as well as the other rooms and furnishings which are still relatively traditional.  Check out the before and afters--I think the fusion of modern and craftsman is super cool, super functional, and beautiful!

Originally the kitchen and dining area were separate rooms, small and rather cramped.



BEFORE:  This is the view looking from the living area thru the dining area and into the kitchen--but don't worry!!  That wall is coming out!!



BEFORE:  Small, dark dining area with purposeless window seat

 
BEFORE:  Kitchen window that actually looked onto the sun/utility porch--not a fantastic view


BEFORE 

 
BEFORE
 
And now for the big reveal--what a light, airy, clean and modern AFTER!!!



Our custom table by James & James of NWA is such a salute to this craftsman style home, and the button tufted banquette is a showstopper!  The banquette was crafted by my own upholsterer (who is amazing) in North Arkansas--I always head for the hills to find the true artists!! We made the existing window seat functional and added a second section on the adjoining wall--I can't say enough about the beauty of this banquette--it is pretty in this picture but it is absolutely amazing in person!!

 
We repurposed the homeowner's glass top console table into a handy bar area for entertaining


 
That window that looked out onto the sun/utility porch was walled and highlighted with this wonderful glass tile!  And what a gorgeous sink! 

 
Sleek appliances and white countertops highlight the lovely espresso stained cabinetry.  And there's the Lamb's floursack dishtowel!  You will find him in all the best dressed homes! 
 

Wall mounted flat screen--perfect for game watching or catching the news after work while preparing dinner--you can also see a wide shot of the area where the window was above the sink.  Clean, unobtrusive vent hood that does not distract from the overall kitchen design makes for a seamless view.

 
One of my favorite shots that includes the wool rug and the curve of the barstools.  A fantastic kitchen and dining area for fantastic clients!