Photos by Colleen Patel Photograph: A private setting on a quiet street attracted this Mt. Lebanon couple to a home that was built in 1960. Seeing its potential, they purchased the home and began renovating it from top to bottom. Now they enjoy the home they envisioned for their growing family, including an updated kitchen design with an inviting island at the heart of it all.
The couple worked with designer Kim Popp, owner of Kimberly Popp Design Company to help their thoughts for a new kitchen take shape. “We had ideas but no solid game plan,” the wife explains. “Kim helped us understand design and construction, and which risks were the right ones to take.“ Having an island in the new kitchen was the top priority for the couple, and the kitchen design was a function of that element. Kim explains, “The island was the centerpiece of the design and everything we did revolved around it.” The kitchen’s narrow footprint made it a challenge for incorporating an island without expanding into the backyard, which was not desired by the homeowners. Kim created a design that flipped the kitchen’s orientation, moving cabinetry and appliances to the interior wall, and expanding the kitchen into the dining area to gain space for an island. Architect Robert Stevens was instrumental to the success of the project, ensuring the structural integrity of the home throughout the design process. In addition, the design freed up the exterior wall to house full-length windows showcasing the picturesque backyard setting the couple loved about the property.
Building Character
The task of turning this vision into reality was given to the team at Precision Squared Construction, who would help the couple create their island-anchored space. Measuring 15 feet long, the island is truly the heart and anchor of the kitchen, stretching the length of the opposite counter areas and across a doorway unifying two halves of the kitchen. The island is topped with Aurea Stone quartz in Divine, from Primo Marble and Granite. With its subtle dark grey veining, it has the look of Calacatta marble. The couple chose to go with a mitered edge on the island top creating a thicker surface. “It changes the whole aesthetic of the kitchen,” the husband remarks. “It adds character to the kitchen. A lot of people comment on it.”
While white custom cabinetry, from Wengerd Cabinet, keeps things bright and open, this color was not the first choice for the homeowners. “Initially I didn’t want white cabinets, I felt it was too basic, everyone does it,” she explains. “It took some convincing but I’m glad Kim got us there.”
They got there by using both colors—charcoal grey on the island, shelving and range hood and white on all the rest. The dark tone she likes comes into play also with the black island pendant lights, door hardware, and the Blanco Silgranit composite sink.
The sink faucet by Brizo in Luxe Gold and gold cabinetry hardware layer another color into the palette for some contemporary flare. “We wanted to create a timeless space but step outside of our comfort zone, and not do the same old boring thing we’re accustomed to,” he remarks of choosing gold over stainless or chrome.
In it for the long run
The couple made their appliance selections early on in the project, “We did the easiest thing first, appliances,” he remarks. “But we also went into it knowing we’re not putting this kitchen in just to take it out in five years.” Their desire for high quality and longevity led them to a Sub-Zero refrigerator and separate beverage center, a Wolf six-burner professional range, a Bosch dishwasher, and Sharp microwave drawer. Rob Sobek of Don’s Appliances helped the couple navigate the landscape of appliances. “I can’t say enough positive things about Rob,” the husband remarks. “He went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable with every one of our decisions.”
Creating a long-lasting, functional and stylish kitchen, and home, was a special labor of love for these homeowners. “We are excited to raise our family and create memories in a home we renovated with our personal touches,” she concludes. “We love how everything turned out.”
Appliances:
Sub-Zero 42” French Door Refrigerator/ Freezer; Wolf 36” Gas Range; Sharp 24” Microwave Drawer; Sub-Zero 24” Undercounter Beverage Center; Bosch 800 Series 24” Dishwasher; Best Coperto Built-In Range Hood