The proprietors of the Victorian-style home adored its traditional design and period details — except when it came to the kitchen. Set in the rear of the home, the small kitchen was tucked into a 12-foot wide distance, had little storage and space to maneuver around in. The couple hired Hanson General Contracting and Kevin Rasmussen and Vivian Su of Rasmussen-Su in Philadelphia to provide them a kitchen which was functional, clean, elegant and open.
By installing a huge bay window, the builders and architects extended the length of the kitchen, creating room for a living space and a view to the private rear patio. Intelligent cabinetry configurations make for plenty of storage whilst maintaining the kitchen atmosphere open and bright.
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Hanson Fine Building
The bay window opens the kitchen to the rear patio, and floods the space with natural lighting. Since the house is on a historical block, the outside changes — such as this window — needed to be accepted by the Philadelphia Historical Commission. This patio is fenced in and protected by trees for ultimate privacy, but still has plenty of sun throughout the day.
The customers wanted an eat-in kitchen; the little nook created by the bay window was the perfect place for a dining table and chairs.
Table: Custom
Charis: Ikea Tobias chairs
Hanson Fine Building
Re-designing this kitchen was difficult because the space was so confined, however, the kitchen’s unique place at the rear of the first floor was really the only viable spot because of this.
The bay window not only accommodates a modern sensibility to get an Granite and entertainment-ready kitchen, but it was also styled to match the original Victorian timber bay window on the second floor.
Hanson Fine Building
The designers opted for a C-shaped kitchen design (a.k.a. U-shape). This arrangement is a great way for kitchens tight on space, since they keep the job areas separate from main traffic paths.
The kitchen also opens up to the dining and living area in the home, so the design needed to be compatible with the more traditional look of those rooms. Sticking with a fresh and simple layout countered the ornate Victorian design, and organic substances enhanced the exposed timber ceiling.
Faucet: Grohe Minta; sink: Franke; flooring: white oak; barstools: Ikea; hood: Zephyr
Hanson Fine Building
Storage space was a priority, therefore the architects and builders consolidated the tall cabinets against one wall, adding a good amount of shelving while allowing the rest of the kitchen to feel spacious.
Custom pull-outs beneath the sink grip recycling and garbage containers. Hafele LeMans pull-outs in corner cabinets take full advantage of every cabinet that is available.
Dishwasher: KitchenAid; counter: polished Bright White granite; fridge: Jenn-Air; range: GE Profile; cabinetry: ready-to build boxes out of CabParts, fronts and drawers out of Keystone Wood Specialities; components: Hafele
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