Kitchen Remodeling: Make it Special, Make it Yours

Quick Links: Photos/Videos | Events | Contact

Remember the old adage, "no matter where I serve my guests, they always like my kitchen best"? It's true. Everyone seems to enjoy gathering in or near the kitchen. So why not make it the center-of-attraction that it is? Remodeling an outdated or poorly designed kitchen may be just what you need to feel like entertaining again. Brunn Remodeling can help make that happen.

Deanna and Fred's Story

The Bensons hired Brunn Remodeling to build a deck addition and remodel a bathroom before they decided to tackle a major kitchen project. Their Blaine home had been built in 1979, a time when cabinets and woodwork were stained dark — almost black — and peninsulas divided the kitchen and dining area. The kitchen also lacked storage space, so the Bensons were ready for a total upgrade.

The Challenge

Andy Brunn worked with the homeowners on the design, which included tearing out the old kitchen and leaving nothing but the studs. To accommodate all of the new design ideas but no room to expand the kitchen into the backyard, the adjoining wall for the under utilized living room was moved back 18 inches.

The Solution

A new center island with breakfast bar was added, which became a welcome conversation space for family and guests. Built-in china and corner cabinets show off fine dishes and collectibles and the dark stains were replaced with warmer oak. Birch hardwood floors and contemporary paint colors provided a refreshing facelift and today, the Bensons are thrilled with their fabulous new look.

"Throughout the entire remodeling process, Brunn Remodeling was very accommodating. They never said, ‘No, you can't do that.' They are totally good guys."
–Deanna and Fred Benson

Before and After Photos

Brunn's level of quality impressed Steve.

"I look at how the mitered joints in the woodwork fit, how the floor seams go together and how doors are hung. We are very picky and we like what we saw.

They are a lot more flexible and willing to work with you than the larger 'cookie cutter' (companies)."

- Steve and Sue Hendrick in their new kitchen

Mary's Kitchen:

When her old dishwasher broke down, Mary hinted to her husband that it might be time for a whole new kitchen. Of course, that was tongue-in-cheek, but they had long been dissatisfied with the traffic flow, which cut right through the workspace. The lighting was inadequate and they lacked storage space for their appliances. Yes, they were ready for a new kitchen, but didn't want to add to the square footage.

The Challenge

Built in 1987, the kitchen was more than 20 years old. The location of the countertops created a hallway from the back door to the family room that often interrupted the workflow. The plan included combining the kitchen, dinette and formal dining room into one, but the adjoining living and dining rooms have vaulted ceilings, while the kitchen ceiling was flat.

The Solution

First, the wall between the dining room and dinette was removed to create one large eating area. The wall between the living room and the kitchen was bumped out two feet and built-in cabinets, countertops and a pass-through were added to allow sunny outdoor views through the living room and serve as a buffet for entertaining.

Two wall ovens replaced the freestanding range and a cook top was installed where the sink used to be. The new sink was added to a center island that directs traffic around the work area into the family room. High stools at the end of the island provide informal seating for family and guests.

In order to make a smooth transition from the flat, 8-foot ceiling in the kitchen to the formal areas, cutouts were left open to make a dramatic architectural statement.

"I love how open the entire living space is now with views of both the back and front yards. The re-located appliances, center island and work areas make so much more sense. I can be working in my kitchen and still have conversations with my guests. It's perfect for entertaining!"

–Mary