Lexington, KY - When the owners of this south Lexington home decided they wanted to remodel their kitchen for an updated classic look, they also wanted to increase the kitchen's functionality and ability to accommodate large groups -
fairly common requests for the room that most often becomes the heart and center of a home.
The Hartland home was built for the family in 1988, so there was plenty of room for updating in the kitchen, which previously had "more of a contemporary look." With the help of Laura Dalzell, owner of Cabinets & Designs, the room saw a complete makeover - the island was extended, appliances were moved and replaced, new cabinetry was installed, and new floor and backsplash tiling were added. Granite countertops, limestone tile and white-glazed maple Brookhaven cabinets provide the updated classic look the homeowners wanted, while also imparting an air of brightness and neutrality into the kitchen.
Rearranging the appliances - a basic component of ergonomic efficiency - can make a huge difference in the functionality of a workspace, Dalzell points out.
"The dishwasher used to be on the other side of the sink," she said. "It was so close to the corner that you could hardly reach the cabinets up above (when unloading dishes), because the door was in the way."
The result of the renovations has been very rewarding to the family, who spend much of their time in the kitchen, cooking, eating and entertaining.
"This is a very calm kitchen, with tremendous work space," said the homeowner. "You've got a prep area over here for baking, you've got all this cabinetry to set your table with, and all of that really makes sense when you start to actually put it to use."
2010 Kitchens of the Bluegrass Tour
This kitchen will be included in the 2010 Kitchens of the Bluegrass Tour, a self-guided tour through nine kitchens in Lexington, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. May 15 and 1 - 5 p.m. May 16.
Now in its eighth year, the annual tour is a fundraiser to benefit Child Development Centers of the Bluegrass, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing early intervention and preschool education for children with disabilities. The funds received with this event are critical to the continued success of this educational and therapeutic program. CDCB has been serving families in central Kentucky since 1958.
Tickets for the Kitchens of the Bluegrass Tour cost $20 and are available at Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Two Chicks and Co., Best of Flowers, Cabinets & Designs, Hair Razors Salon and Third Street Stuff. Tickets can be purchased online at www.cdcb. They are also available at any featured home the days of the tour for $25.