“My customers want what’s going to fit their life the best,” commented Susan Simmen of ACR Kitchen and Bath as we sat down to discuss her latest remodel for client Brian Aubele’s kitchen. “They may want a two-door refrigerator with a small freezer on the bottom because they don’t need much freezer space. I always get to know my customer, what their lifestyle is and how they plan to function in that space before planning. Brian didn’t want the bells and whistles. He wanted functionality.”
When Simmen and independent designer Laura Tissue first met Aubele, they started the process by measuring the space and then asking questions about every detail possible. Using product reference photos and samples, Simmen and Tissue could easily present choices to Aubele. Tissue said that she typically “meets with the client in showrooms for product comparison and selections. From there, coordinating the details with the contractor and client involves constant communication and review to get everything right!”
Staying brand loyal
When deciding on an appliance brand, Aubele chose Frigidaire products. Why this brand? “I was looking for something of quality, I wanted it to have a rich, yet clean design. I don’t like a lot of screens on my appliances, but I did want a more modern look. Frigidaire was the right combo of quality, functionality and aesthetics.”
The design team was thrilled with this choice, and knew that Frigidaire would fit Aubele’s needs. Tissue worked closely with Don’s Appliances for recommendations on all Frigidaire appliances needed for the space, which were:
- FRIGIDAIRE PROFESSIONAL FRENCH DOOR COUNTER-DEPTH REFRIGERATOR
- FRIGIDAIRE PROFESSIONAL 30’’ ELECTRIC FRONT CONTROL FREESTANDING RANGE
- FRIGIDAIRE PROFESSIONAL BUILT-IN DISHWASHER WITH EVENDRY™ SYSTEM
Tissue said that part of the client/designer relationship relied on hearing Aubele’s needs and finding a solution. “Brian wanted a French door/freezer drawer, and I thought a counter depth option would fit the space best. From there, we narrowed in on a great Frigidaire model.” A loyal Frigidaire buyer, Aubele commented that the new dishwasher is extremely quiet, which is important in a smaller kitchen. He’s also a frequent cook, so having an easy-to-clean cooktop has proven useful, and the refrigerator’s hidden controls speak to his modern aesthetic.
Making the most out of a small space
Simmen says that when she first spoke with Aubele, he wanted to make the most out of the small kitchen space. “When I meet with people, we pick out the materials together. Brian knew he wanted dark countertops and light cabinets.” And with those details from the client, that’s the approach Simmen and Tissue took.
Considering it was a smaller space, the kitchen demanded a more intense focus on priorities. Using off-white cabinets—with a coconut-almond glaze—keeps the room open and serves as a beautiful contrast to the darker natural stone elements of the countertops, backsplash and floor. The Cambria quartz countertop in Laneshaw is a sea of brown, tan and black tones, and the quartz’s premium basin edge gives it a classic and traditional design. The backsplash accent wall is a linear glass stone Listello.
The glass doors on the upper cabinets give a decorative accent, while the in-cabinet and under-cabinet lighting make for a welcoming feel. All of the hardware and the Kohler Fairfax faucet have an oil-rubbed bronze finish, a subtle masculine touch. To bring the look together, porcelain hardwood in a hickory tone warm the space. The stainless-steel appliances were then slid into place at opposite corners of the room to create a visual balance and perfect everyday function.
A smart house finish
For safety and efficiency, Aubele chose to include “smart house” features into the kitchen. CO2 sensors, the fire alarm, moisture sensors, thermostat and cameras are all linked to the same system and can be viewed from an app. These security features give Aubele peace of mind that his beautiful kitchen remodel is fully protected even when he is away on business.