Text By: Sheila Rossiter, J.S. Brown & Co. 

It had been almost 20 years since this Central Ohio home was built and like many homes of this age, it was time to start updating and the kitchen was at the top of the list. The homeowners approached J.S. Brown & Co. to assist with creating a sophisticated yet casual kitchen that could be utilized for both entertaining and family events. As avid travelers, the clients also wanted to bring some nautical inspiration into the kitchen from their many trips into the project.

Project Challenges: While refreshing the overall look of their kitchen was top of mind for the homeowners, there were several items that needed addressing during the remodel such as additional storage space, increased surface areas for cooking and more openness for entertaining.  While the existing layout of the kitchen was nice, it lacked using its basic elements to its fullest potential, i.e. cabinets and surfaces. The homeowners also wanted to add a strong focal point to the kitchen that was missing in the existing layout.

Project Solutions:  To create the focal point in the kitchen, a large mantel hood was placed over the range. However, because the hood was much larger than the area provided by the existing space, the doorway to the adjacent family room needed to be relocated. The mantle style hood also provides a smart storage solution with inside shelving that provides a place to tuck away cookbooks and spices while keeping them at arm’s reach.

To address the broader need for more storage, custom beaded inset cabinets were designed with the client’s needs in mind. The cabinets now extend completely to the ceiling for ample storage and incorporate all types of useful accessories such as a double pullout waste bin, custom cutlery tray and rollouts.

The island was built with dual functionality in mind. The once tiered island was replaced with a highly stylized large flat Alpine White granite surface that provides for ample preparation space for cooking and room for guests to gather when entertaining. The granite features unique compact radius inside corners which are very challenging to craft. The island also has four built-in columns at each corner that mimic the look of the mantel hood legs. The column and end panels feature wainscoting and accent molding.

New commercial grade appliances put the finishing touches on the kitchen remodel. A Wolf six burner range top was added, as well as a Wolf warming drawer, Wolf microwave oven, a Sub-Zero under counter beverage center and a Sub-Zero built-in refrigerator.

The backsplash behind the cooktop is made of glass tiles from Sonoma in Vihara Minka Silk and surrounded by the same granite used for the countertops and island.