Transforming the Kitchen

I have experienced many cycles in my 30-year design career. When the economy is flourishing, I find that most of my work is in new construction. When the economy is sluggish, most of my jobs are in redecorating and remodeling existing homes. Then there is the cycle of old versus new. Periodically, younger adults become aware of the rich history and fine architecture found in much older homes. When that happens, the older homes are in great demand and at a premium price.

For the last two years, clients have been looking at staying where they are and redecorating and updating what they have. Although our real estate market has survived the latest recession quite well, the value of homes is often less than that of a few years ago, so it is not necessarily the best time to sell.

For many people, the future looks a little unsettled, so staying put seems to be the safest move. One obvious thing I have noticed is that many folks who built homes in the 90s are ready to start modernizing and updating their homes. I have been involved in many jobs during the last year doing just that. Getting rid of the 90s look is my latest cycle in design.

The 80s homes were dark with small windows and lots of dark paneling. The 90s homes went just the opposite direction. Homeowners wanted huge windows and lots of light. They also wanted to get rid of paneling and dark cabinets. Thus, pickling and whitewashing cabinets became all the rage.

Patti and Ron Lunt of Midlothian built their home during that exact time. Their kitchen was done in a whitewash over red oak, which was extremely popular. What the Lunts did not know was that the cabinets would change colors with time and become streaked with pink and yellow shaded areas. The pink color is caused by the red oak bleeding through the paint. The yellowing effect is from the aging polyurethane finish coat.

After looking at many options, including buying or building another home, the Lunts decided to remodel their old kitchen and stay where they are. But what could be done with those cabinets? Would they have to go to the expense of all new cabinets or could they be salvaged? They did not want the painted cabinet look. They liked the look of a medium brown stain. How could that be accomplished and still stay within a reasonable budget? That is where I came in.

The first step in creating an all-new look in the Lunt kitchen was to scour through magazine pictures that Ron and Patti had collected. It was clear that the look they wanted was that of a stained cabinet. Somehow we had to get that look with the cabinets we had to work with.

I took a small door from the existing cabinets and started experimenting. I have done many special finishes with both paint and stain with great success. I felt that I could accomplish the color they desired by using a base coat of a medium golden rust-toned oil based paint. Although the undercoat looked very orange (“hook ‘em horns” was the phrase Ron used when he saw the first coat), the walnut glaze finish coat gave me the exact color I was after. Now that we had our cabinet color resolved, we could move on to the next decisions.

We had a little rearranging to do with the cabinets because we needed to change ovens and get a new cooktop, which required a new custom built-in hood. Also, Patti wanted appliance garages, so we decided to add them to the cabinets beside the refrigerator. The cabinet came out looking like a built-in hutch, which was exactly what we wanted.

Outdated laminate countertops were replaced with granite. The laminate backsplash was torn out and replaced with natural stone tiles. Canned lights were added for extra lighting as well as under- and over-cabinet lights for a glowing accent.

McKeever Construction did a fabulous job of matching my cabinet sample. The painter made the glaze look like realistic wood grain. The natural look is fabulous and the updated kitchen has brought this 90s home right into the 21st century.

Ron and Patti will have many years of enjoyment in their new kitchen, but when the time comes to sell, they will have something wonderful to offer the new owners. What could have been a seller’s nightmare quickly became a buyer’s dream.

When it comes to front or backyard gardens, don’t limit yourself to just flowers and greenery. There are so many options available to add some interest to your outdoor area. You can start by adding simple benches, wind chimes, planters and stone sculptures, or go all out with a full garden pond.

For a natural-looking space, add items that feel organic, like wooden benches or sculptures already covered in growing greenery. And many of these items aren’t just for decoration—they have a purpose, too. Benches can provide a way for you to relax and enjoy your outdoor space, fountains or baths provide a place for birds to drink and cool off, decorative chimineas provide warmth and garden ponds allow full ecosystems to be sustained, right in your backyard.

You may not have to look far to add some décor to your outdoors. If you have an old wicker shelf that’s not being used, you can turn it into an outdoor trellis for vine plants. Old or broken terracotta plants can be turned on their side to let a plant grow out, making it look like the pot was just blown over. You can also find simple plans for building your own outdoor table. Place some recycled and re-done chairs around the table, add some outdoor lamps and you have a great alfresco dining space.

While you’re working on your garden art, keep in mind the old rule, “less is more.” Don’t overdo it and make your yard look more cluttered than calm. Providing too many focal points will just confuse the eye and keep you from relaxing and enjoying your new outdoor oasis.