Warm Midcentury Vibe Takes Over a 2002 Spec Kitchen
A family puts a spin on their lackluster kitchen to give it a contemporary-meets-midcentury modern personality
Jennifer Blaise Kramer
February 7, 2017
Houzz Contributor. Lifestyle Writer + Editor. www.jenniferblaisekramer.com
Houzz Contributor. Lifestyle Writer + Editor. More
A traditional-style home built as a spec house in 2002 did not suit the new homeowners’ contemporary tastes. They felt the kitchen’s existing white cabinets and tiled countertops were underwhelming and a far cry from the midcentury modern aesthetic they had been hoping for. In an effort to give the room a lift, they hired a design-build firm to home in on warmer woods, sleeker lines and more visually appealing materials.
Photos by Jacob Williamson Photography
Kitchen at a Glance
Location: Corvallis, Oregon
Who lives here: A professional couple and their teenage son
Size: The kitchen is part of a 600-square-foot great room.
Designers: Gary Pope and Brittanie Dodge of Henderer Design + Build
BEFORE: Basic white cabinets and an oddly shaped island created a look and layout the homeowners didn’t care for.
Kitchen at a Glance
Location: Corvallis, Oregon
Who lives here: A professional couple and their teenage son
Size: The kitchen is part of a 600-square-foot great room.
Designers: Gary Pope and Brittanie Dodge of Henderer Design + Build
BEFORE: Basic white cabinets and an oddly shaped island created a look and layout the homeowners didn’t care for.
AFTER: To infuse the spec-home kitchen with personality and warmth, lead designer Gary Pope and designer Brittanie Dodge, both of Henderer Design + Build, rearranged the space and used very specific materials and modern elements.
The clients had seen a photo on Houzz of a refrigerator in a kitchen corner and loved it, and that kicked off the new plan for the room. The couple shared a common goal of wanting a better layout where both of them could comfortably and efficiently cook at the same time.
“This is a good example that shows that the traditional work triangle doesn’t work for everyone,” Dodge says. Since the refrigerator was new and the clients didn’t want to replace it, Dodge made a removable panel above in case they purchase a larger fridge in the future.
Countertops: Viatera in Minuet, LG Hausys
The clients had seen a photo on Houzz of a refrigerator in a kitchen corner and loved it, and that kicked off the new plan for the room. The couple shared a common goal of wanting a better layout where both of them could comfortably and efficiently cook at the same time.
“This is a good example that shows that the traditional work triangle doesn’t work for everyone,” Dodge says. Since the refrigerator was new and the clients didn’t want to replace it, Dodge made a removable panel above in case they purchase a larger fridge in the future.
Countertops: Viatera in Minuet, LG Hausys
New rift-sawn white oak cabinets were custom-made locally in Halsey, Oregon. Finished with a custom stain, they give a warm glow that fits the midcentury vibe the couple was aiming for.
Dodge ran the wood grain vertically on the perimeter cabinets and horizontally on the island, for added visual interest. A raised portion of the island allows for everyday messes to be hidden from the adjacent open living and dining room.
Dodge had the insides of the upper display cabinets painted white; along with LED puck lights, they highlight some of the homeowners’ art collection.
Seguro pendants: LBL; bubinga bar stools: custom, The Joinery
Dodge ran the wood grain vertically on the perimeter cabinets and horizontally on the island, for added visual interest. A raised portion of the island allows for everyday messes to be hidden from the adjacent open living and dining room.
Dodge had the insides of the upper display cabinets painted white; along with LED puck lights, they highlight some of the homeowners’ art collection.
Seguro pendants: LBL; bubinga bar stools: custom, The Joinery
For a more contemporary-meets-midcentury feel, Dodge chose green handmade tiles in a wavy pattern. The same colored handmade tiles in a brick pattern are featured on the island.
Legrand undercabinet power strips were chosen instead of wall outlets to minimize visual clutter. They also allow for modernized touches, such as this iPad stand for reading recipes at the stove.
Tiles: Wave pattern in Cyclone Green, Fireclay Tile; range hood: Lucé, Zephyr
Legrand undercabinet power strips were chosen instead of wall outlets to minimize visual clutter. They also allow for modernized touches, such as this iPad stand for reading recipes at the stove.
Tiles: Wave pattern in Cyclone Green, Fireclay Tile; range hood: Lucé, Zephyr
This custom power strip from Furnlite in a storage drawer is outfitted with four USB ports to give the family versatility and space to charge their phones, iPads, watches and the like.
A KitchenAid stand sits inside a lower cabinet on its own platform that can be lifted up. It’s kept plugged into a hidden outlet at all times.
Over several meetings, storage solutions for the inside of each drawer and cabinet were planned. Now spices are near the cooktop, pots and pans are under the cooktop, dishes are in drawers and even dog food is stored in the end of the island (not pictured).
Over several meetings, storage solutions for the inside of each drawer and cabinet were planned. Now spices are near the cooktop, pots and pans are under the cooktop, dishes are in drawers and even dog food is stored in the end of the island (not pictured).
Statement lights hang above a nearby dining table.
Lights: Sonneman
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Bertlyn Thompson According to the article, the bar stools were custom made by a company called The Joinery. I wouldn't be surprised if you contact them, they'll make you the identical bar stools at counter height. Just click the green coloured link I provided to get to The Joinery website.
Not a fan of multilevel islands, but love the back splash.
Very nice. Love the tile. I don't like the 'before' kitchen with arched cabinets doors (dated), cabinetry that doesn't go up to the ceiling (bad lines), different appliance finishes, and that island - ugh! Do wish the 'after' flooring was a different color. Not a fan of flooring matching the cabinety.