Houzz user aimzter wanted her kitchen for a place of serenity and calm, which was far cry from her original kitchen space. “Our previous kitchen always seemed somewhat cluttered and comfy even when it was clean because of all the open storage spaces, and various tile and surface work,” she says.
By incorporating two layers of above-counter storage, together with simple cabinetry and countertop materials, and accenting with contemporary accessories, aimzter was able to create a fresh and clutter-free space, while still working within a limited budget.
The two pendants hanging over a Caesarstone kitchen island are the focal point of this kitchen. Despite contradicting advice, aimzter decided to not place a sink in her kitchen island. “I needed a giant workspace in which we could distribute cooking, crafts, or homework projects,” she says. “It was important to me to have a good surface for flexible use.”
Although money was stored on the fridge (a KitchenAid they’ve had for more than 10 years), aimzter decided to splurge on the wall ovens. These high-end appliances have been chosen due to their excellent cooking features, as well as the fact that they might be installed flush into the cabinets.
Bar stools: SEBASTIAN pub stool from IKEA
Island: Caesarstone 6600
Pendants: Powell Street Pendant, 2Thousand Degrees
Granite counters: Miele Master Chef Oven and Miele Speed Oven
Among the biggest challenges during construction was installing the sliding glass pocket doors. From the very start, aimzter and her husband knew they needed to open the wall up into the deck so that they could fully appreciate their small backyard. “Although the system is pretty straightforward, the contractors were really stressed about making this job,” she says.
Flooring: Oak, to meld with the rest of the house
In the original kitchen, the walls, floor, and ceiling were uneven. The ceiling and floor had to be leveled so the new cabinetry wouldn’t appear crooked.
Aimzter made certain to include 3 garbage pull-outs from the island, since San Francisco needs 3 waste bins for curbside pickup (compost, recycling and trash). “I didn’t want to go through the full remodel and still have an extra garbage can to trip on at the end of the counter,” aimzter says.
Counters: Caesarstone 2020
Backsplash: Caesarstone 6600
Cooktop and stove hood: Bosch 36″ Gas Cooktop 800 Series, and Bosch Chimney Wall Hoods 500 Series
IKEA base cabinets over the wall cabinets make good storage space for items which are not necessarily for everyday use — for example particular holiday dishes. The warm wood tones help warm up the space and look custom — but without the extra price. “The goal was not to add top-of-the-line pieces we didn’t need, but to use resources as creatively as you can,” aimzter says.
Cabinetry: IKEA, NEXUS in brown and ABSTRAKT in white
Sink: Mirabelle
Faucet: Grohe
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