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Frances Herrera is an Interior Design in NYC who recently shared with me a kitchen remodel for a client that will inspire those with small kitchens. She sent me these before and after photos -- you have to check this out -- it's hard to believe it's the same space! Real Simple editors would approve of this transformation. Before - Help!
Frances explained that her client was in need of a functional kitchen and since she lives in NYC where apartment kitchens tend to be small, she removed the wall to maximize the space bringing the living room and kitchen together for a more open floor plan and providing a space for eating. Cherry cabinetry gives the kitchen a rich look, classic mixed with contemporary makes for a clean, modern feel. Stainless appliances were selected along with a white polished marble back splash to break up the dark cabinetry and the countertops are cashmere granite - again, lightening things up. Frances installed recessed lights on the ceiling and under cabinet lighting to illuminate the countertops making food preparation a breeze. A modern light fixture was installed above the island for drama. Who says a small kitchen can't have a big personality? After Frances completed this renovation in three weeks and the total cost, including labor and materials, was around $20,000. What do you think? Is this a remodel you could live with? Do you like the final look? Do you have a small kitchen and if so, what tricks have you used to make the best use of the space you have? (images from frances herrera interiors)
Posted by: FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com| Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at 07:51 AM It's beautiful, but not functional. There's no dishwasher and the sink is too small, so how do you clean up? I love how the eating space is open. Really creates an open feel for those small NY apartments. The sink is definitely too small even if you don't cook much. Wow! love it...Love a contrast of cabinet color and floor..Good job! I really like the overall transformation - but the lack of dishwasher and extremely small sink are a negative. I'm not sure if there is a dishwasher or not, you're right. But I have lived without one for 7 years and not only is our electric bill lower, but we are saving energy AND my husband and I have some of the best conversations while washing and drying our dishes. Of course we're a family of two, if I had children it would not be viewed as something pleasurable I'm sure! When I spoke to the designer about this remodel she gave me the impression that is was a New York City apartment which explains the smaller appliance and sink size. I'm also willing to bet the apartment is lived in by either a single person or couple, which explains why perhaps they opted to not have a dishwasher. The best thing we did was to build a "garage" for the trash can under the countertop. There's a hole in the countertop covered by a stainless steel trap door. It not only saves the floor space previously used by the trash can, it makes clean up easier...all I have to do is sweep counter debris into the hole. The area rug strikes me as somewhat impractical, but then again, living in NYC comes with compromises - like Lilliputian apartments. Which is why I live in Chicago. TANGENT! :) Regardless, the reno is fabulous. Umm, just realized that the TILE FLOOR looks exactly like the area rug in the "before" shot - never mind! LOVE it-beautiful space...I want the light fixture above the island! You know, I understand that there are certain compromises made being in a NYC apartment. But if I'm going to drop that much cash on a kitchen, it better have a dishwasher. It looks like a kitchen they never cook in. What a great transformation. This remodel really opens up the space. I think $20,000 is a bit of a high price tag for this renovation, though. Wow! What a transformation. Definately better. It sure makes a difference in the space. Great transformation! I was immediately drawn to this post as I am always encountering tiny kitchen remodels and they can be challenge! These before and after pictures are very inspiring! Great transformation! I was immediately drawn to this post as I am always encountering tiny kitchen remodels and they can be challenge! These before and after pictures are very inspiring Great transformation. For those of you complaining that you would prefer to have a dishwasher...it has been my experience that having storage space ultimately trumps having a dishwasher, specially in a space that appears to be under 100square feet! Get back to old fashion basics...do your dishes by hand and do them with a friend. Its fun, therapeutic and better for your dishes. Agree about the size of the sink, but the kitchen is just dreamy for NYC. This is STUNNING and very spacious. GReat Job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Making plans for remodeling can disguise dirt well the realistic theme of an interactive kitchen design remodeling helps you identify kitchen traffic and chaos weight or get ugly as opposed to only. Think about what you tight budget are possible when contemplating kitchen design in New York! This is a beautiful kitchen makeover! I especially love the decorative corner shelving! |
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I absolutely love that!!! A small kitchen transformed.
I must admit, I'd prefer a much larger kitchen, but this one would suit me fine for the short term.