A Farmhouse-Inspired Kitchen Designed for a Cook
Natural materials, traditional elements and modern updates combine in a stylish and extremely functional kitchen
Marianne Lipanovich
August 29, 2016
Houzz Contributor. I'm a California-based writer and editor. While most of my projects are garden-based, you might also find me writing about home projects and classical music. Away from the computer, I'm found in the garden (naturally), on my bike, or ice-skating outdoors (yes, that is possible in California). I'm also willing to taste-test anything that's chocolate.
Houzz Contributor. I'm a California-based writer and editor. While most of my projects... More
Faced with too little counter space, inadequate appliances and a look that didn’t match their casual rustic style, these homeowners turned to a local design-build firm to give them the kitchen they really wanted. Designer Kathi Fleck updated the space with simple lines, plenty of counter space, professional appliances and enough room for family members to move around easily. The result combines rustic farmhouse style with modern touches and functionality.
Photos by Sonja Quintero
Kitchen at a Glance
Location: North Richland Hills, Texas
Who lives here: A couple and their adult daughter, plus a college-age son who returns during breaks
Size: 198.5 square feet (18.4 square meters)
Year built: 1990
Year remodeled: 2015
Designer: Kathi Fleck of LoneStar Property Solutions
Fleck kept the kitchen’s basic footprint, but otherwise gutted the space, removing a small and overcrowded pantry in the process. She then added custom cabinets and an island before adding appliances designed for a serious cook and baker.
The new oblong slate flooring, laid across the space to visually widen it, and stacked stone backsplash help provide the natural vibe the homeowners wanted. The granite countertops serve the same effect. Cabinets made from knotty alder and stained a medium brown play off the cherry furniture and flooring in the adjoining family room.
Universal design principles underscored all of the design decisions. The couple’s adult daughter is sight- and hearing-impaired and has a service dog. The kitchen was planned to allow her to prepare food independently. To enhance the visibility for someone with limited sight, Fleck focused on non-glare elements, such as the Uba Tuba dark leather granite used for the countertops and the undercabinet lights that help brighten the space.
Flooring, backsplash and countertop materials: Arizona Tile
Kitchen at a Glance
Location: North Richland Hills, Texas
Who lives here: A couple and their adult daughter, plus a college-age son who returns during breaks
Size: 198.5 square feet (18.4 square meters)
Year built: 1990
Year remodeled: 2015
Designer: Kathi Fleck of LoneStar Property Solutions
Fleck kept the kitchen’s basic footprint, but otherwise gutted the space, removing a small and overcrowded pantry in the process. She then added custom cabinets and an island before adding appliances designed for a serious cook and baker.
The new oblong slate flooring, laid across the space to visually widen it, and stacked stone backsplash help provide the natural vibe the homeowners wanted. The granite countertops serve the same effect. Cabinets made from knotty alder and stained a medium brown play off the cherry furniture and flooring in the adjoining family room.
Universal design principles underscored all of the design decisions. The couple’s adult daughter is sight- and hearing-impaired and has a service dog. The kitchen was planned to allow her to prepare food independently. To enhance the visibility for someone with limited sight, Fleck focused on non-glare elements, such as the Uba Tuba dark leather granite used for the countertops and the undercabinet lights that help brighten the space.
Flooring, backsplash and countertop materials: Arizona Tile
The sink cabinet and island function as focal points that balance the overall space. Beadboard detailing gives them a classic country touch, while feet provide that “furniture feel” often found in farmhouses. A dark gray stain with a hazy glaze on both pieces helps ground the cabinets to the darker gray floor. The same gray stain was used on the entertainment center in the family room to tie the rooms together.
Fleck purposely extended the sink cabinet 3 inches beyond the surrounding cabinet to add to the furniture effect and allow for a deeper sink. The energy-efficient windows added above the sink and in the island area continue the farmhouse feel with their Prairie-style grid pattern.
The 72-by-30-inch island occupies what was once an eating nook, providing more space for baking and prep work. The family usually eats in the adjoining dining room, although the countertop’s 15-inch overhang allows plenty of room to pull up chairs for a quick snack or informal meal. A microwave drawer and plenty of pullout storage was incorporated into the island’s design.
Microwave drawer: Sharp
Microwave drawer: Sharp
Pullout vegetable doors and glass knobs were two specific requests from the homeowners. Fleck also added a wood panel that matched the cabinets to hide the dishwasher.
Refrigerator and dishwasher: KitchenAid
Refrigerator and dishwasher: KitchenAid
A six-burner, 36-inch range and vent hood sit opposite the sink. Extending the stacked stone backsplash to the ceiling adds height to the overall space.
Range: KitchenAid
Range: KitchenAid
Open, lantern-style lighting, another homeowner request, illuminates the island. Additional lighting comes from recessed ceiling lights and wall sconces to ensure there’s plenty of light.
Coffee, soft drinks and other beverages are easily accessible for family and guests in this recessed area that extends into the family room.
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Beautiful.
Having the veg drawers between the dishwasher and the fridge was a ridiculous idea. FAR too warm for acceptable storage and very little ventilation. I miss the
Big loss on getting rid of the eating nook. If you cook a lot, you need a place to sit down and think sometimes without being to removed from what you're doing. That thing that replaced the nook seems like a bunch of stuff that isn't very useful.
I DO like the coffee area. Very nice! And the color choices.
I think putting in a water source at the stove and creating a better work triangle would have been a wiser choice over what was done. Everything is too spread out. Not efficient and not welcoming for people you don't really want in the kitchen but want to be able to talk to as you work.
I do think that island is in a weird place. Much better to have a sit-down area. The cabinets are beautiful though.