A generous great room area chopped up by islands and walls (2,500 square feet of kitchen, breakfast room, laundry, pantry, living room, and bar). The space is marked by a large protuberance of light box/vent blocking access and view in the center of the kitchen work space, excessive cabinets with no intelligent storage, generic appliances inadequate to the requirements of the square footage, wasted space in the walk-in pantry, and an overall awkward flow.
Abundant dark wood paneling with fake beams in the living room ceiling shortened the appearance of walls and compounded the limited light. The fireplace, low and small, helped pull the ceilings down. A screened low-hung porch blocked views of the landscape beyond.
The customers wanted a great room, open to all other areas, with purposeful functionality, state of the art fixtures, and an elegant refinement throughout to match the quality of materials selected.
Cabinets of ‘smart design’ Wood Mode, graced with counters of Italian marble, feature occasional-lighted glass doors to display favorites and special collections. A large free-standing range, topped with a custom hood, two dishwashers, two refrigerators, two sinks, and continuous outlet strips, maximize the possibilities for cooking and entertaining. Cabinet- and toe kick-lighting add task and architectural enhancement. The extended island now accommodates seating, a sink, extra dishwasher, and storage. A wrought iron and crystal chandelier, spots, and recessed lighting take the place of the old light box.
The breakfast room, newly opened to all areas, provides additional space for dining. Its remaining wall now houses cabinetry for storage, refrigeration, and television. A study nook, which replaced the bar, anchors a butler’s pantry. The pool bath and laundry room had plumbing reversed, and special lighting and cabinets now increase space and functionality. Complimentary marble, tile, and fixtures maintain their stylish surroundings.
Floor-to-ceiling windows define the length of the Great Room, are centered with a hand cast limestone fireplace. Elaborate wood details of ivory contrast smooth, soft buttery walls, aglow with enhanced natural light. The exterior screened-in porch, with matching travertine floor, was reduced so that two simple sheltered columns now frame the tropical view. |
