Do you want a bigger kitchen?

I recently met Steve Tiek, of Tiek Built Homes, though a mutual friend. It turns out we have a lot in common. We both live along the Wasatch Front here in Utah and we both love timeless architecture, functional spaces, and detailed craftsmanship. He is a general contractor with a great eye for design. Turns out we are both big fans of Benjamin Blackwelder Cabinetry as well, see my post here and here.

Steve and Benjamin recently completed this stunning kitchen remodel. (All photos are posted with permission from Steve). Here is a photo of this space before. SMALL!

As you can see they removed the wall between the kitchen and the rarely-used-formal-dining-room in order to accommodate a bigger kitchen. The family now uses the large kitchen and adjoining eating area as the main dinning/entertaining space.

If you are tight on space, this is a great solution, since most parties gravitate into the kitchen anyway and most family meals are served in the kitchen eating area, why not eliminate the dining room?

This is the old formal dining room space. They left the large window in place which, Steve pointed out, let in a ton of light but also eliminated awkward corner cabinets. I love it!

What a beautiful place to stand and do dishes. I love that they left space between the cabinets and the window for the great light fixtures. The black granite looks like it is honed which makes it look a lot like soapstone (but with out the bigger pricetag)

Steve explained that they wanted to have two focal points, the sink and the range/hood. But since the two were a bit far apart, the prep sink was added in the island.

Ahhh, the coveted island. You just gotta have one. There is nothing like sitting your little kids up to the bar and feeding them grilled cheese sandwiches. Because this space is narrow, Steve and Ben, came up with this zig, zag shape that not only adds interest to the room, but accommodates two kiddos and a prep sink. It is marvelous.

I love all the details!! Thanks for sharing your photos!

Style in Utah: Benjamin Blackwelder Cabinetry

Thanks to Gina of Willow Decor for sending the name of the craftsman responsible for the beautiful home in Alpine, Utah, that I featured last week: Benjamin Blackwelder Cabinetry. I would love to collaborate on a future project!

More eye candy below…

Click here or here to see more of his amazing work.

Does your home have good bones?

I create my own homes one layer at a time. It surprises some people that even though I have lived here for 18 months, I still don’t have pictures hanging on my walls or even an accessory to speak of. I am not to that layer yet and for some reason it just doesn't feel right to gussy up the tables when the rugs are all wrong. I like nothing more then to be able to start a home from scratch and complete it one perfect layer at a time.

The truth is that most homes develop over time. Very few of us can afford to move into a new home with new furnishings and accessories all at once. The first layers of a home are so important because they lay the foundation for what is to come.

I love this home showcased on Willow Decor. First of all, it is in Alpine, Utah, which is my neck of the woods. Second of all, it has such great bones.

Can you believe this view? Location is the very fist layer of your home. This is the one thing you can’t change!!!  It dictates so much about what your home can and will become. A great neighborhood, the perfect setting, mature trees, and spectacular views all contribute to the ambiance of your home. The surrounding homes also play an important roll in how big or small your home can become and the style that will work within your neighborhood. 

Your floor plan is the next layer  –  A good floor plan is flexible, and reflects the way you want to live. It works as well for 2 people as it does for 20. Although it is hard to see from these pictures, this home appears to have a wonderful flow and very practical spaces. Most importantly, a good floor plan has a seamless connection to the outdoors. Wouldn’t you love to watch the sun rise on this balcony?

Fixtures make up the third layer – this includes everything that is bolted onto the house. Flooring, trim work, light fixtures, cabinets, countertops, plumbing fixtures, appliances, railings, fireplaces, …I am sure I forgot something.

I love the choices this homeowner made. You can see how much thought and detail they put into this house from the hardwood floors to the reclaimed beams and coffered ceilings. It is so beautiful – even without a single piece of furniture, accessory or picture on the wall. 

This is what “good bones” look like to me. The cabinets are to die for. Apparently the homeowner is a cabinet maker.

Willow Decor gives a much more in depth tour of the home here. If you are in the market for a beautiful home in Alpine, Utah, contact me and I will put you in touch with the best Realtor in the Salt Lake Valley (my mom!!!) or click here.  

Or if you are getting ready to build or remodel a home I would love to help you think through the foundation layers and select the perfect fixtures to complete each space.

Where ever you are in the process of creating your home remember that it is a process and don’t get discouraged. Each decision is important and will play a roll in the ambiance and beauty of your home.