Lots of folks fantasize about supersizing their kitchen, but a variety of reasons can make bumping out infeasible. Such was the case in John and Michelle Smith’s 1937 Lannon stone Colonial in Wauwatosa, WI. “The only wall that would allow us to bump out had two built-in curio cabinets and detailed plaster molding in the dining room—we didn’t want to disrupt that,” John says. “Not to mention that the cost would have been beyond our budget.”
Fortunately, the layout of appliances and fixtures was ideal for the narrow, average-sized kitchen, but its 168 square feet were squandered, having the Smiths contend with skimpy, ill-defined storage and scant countertop surfaces. Plus, while the couple did love the look of their original oak cabinets, the doors were in disrepair. “They didn’t fully close properly anymore,” John says. “And because they were so heavy, they’d pull the screws out and half the door threatened to fall off when you opened it!”
Refining the Floor Plan
Enter design firm Story Hill, whose number one priority was improving the utility of the existing floor plan. “With us, function comes first, making everyday use more enjoyable and efficient,” says Story Hill interior designer Lisa Kurtz. “So we focused on three key things: storage, counter space, and the range area.” Base cabinetry was added beneath bay windows, forming a buffet, and a tall pantry was installed beside the sink. Further storage as well as work surfaces came from a more substantial island and new cabinetry around the range.
True, the appliances, sink, and island remained in the same location, but a few logical changes made a huge difference—for instance, scrapping a broom closet to gain more room around the stove. “The range is now flanked by workable prep space, and our trash and recycling, formerly in the broom closet, got built into a roll-out on the island, perfect for sweeping counter debris into,” Michelle explains.
Storage is not only doubled, it makes better sense now, with deep drawers and pull-outs for ease of use. “No more getting on our hands and knees to reach a colander from the back of a cabinet,” John says.
Stepping Up the Style
After finalizing functional decisions, it was time to consider aesthetics to create a streamlined, clutter-free vibe while paying homage to the period architecture. The trick to successfully mixing modern with retro, according to Kurz, is “Keeping the lines clean while maintaining warmth, and incorporating details with pattern and color.”
So the Smiths splurged a bit on wood flooring, a Calacatta marble tile backsplash, and a single piece of quartz for the island counter. (To save money, they decided against high-end appliances.) Michelle says the renovation achieved their goals of “a classic traditional kitchen that seamlessly complements the rest of the house,” calling the cook space “timeless and beautiful, as well as highly functional.”
And John points out how the new kitchen truly suits the way the Smiths cook, eat, and entertain. “The large island and buffet are very versatile when it comes to having multiple food items going at once,” he says. “We’ve had many family gatherings where we can prep and serve meals, snacks, apps, desserts—even enjoy a dedicated drink station.”
Pretty impressive—all without changing the layout!
Make Your Existing Layout Suit Your Life
You needn’t change your floor plan to improve functionality. Simply factor in your family’s needs when planning your kitchen renovation. Consider these tips:
Got kids? Find a big-enough fridge.
“Our growing 14-year-old son would go through two frozen pizzas per day,” says John. “We found a refrigerator with a freezer portion that holds 10 frozen pizza boxes with room to spare. When we went shopping, we actually brought a pizza box to see how it would fit!”
Pro Tip: Before you shop, measure more than the alcove. As This Old House Magazine advises, a major source of buyer’s regret is “failure to measure—not only the alcove but also the path that big box has to travel before it can park.” And don’t forget that “counter depth” specs may not include the door, hinges, handle, or the plug and water line in back—always check the maker’s full specs.
Consolidating food storage near the fridge is another family-friendly move. On one This Old House project, designers realized that the counter next to the fridge “would probably end up being a junk collector,” so they made a last-minute decision to place the pantry there instead. As the designer noted, “All the food storage would be in one spot.”
Got pets? Figure out a feeding station.
You can locate it under a counter, as the Smiths did, or consider hiding it in a wall, like this blogger.
Specify your storage.
Dedicate drawers, shelving, and niches to suit how you cook. For example, if you do a lot of sautéing and saucing, make sure that all your supplies and utensils can be accessed when at the stove.
Pro Tip: Barry Izsak, president of the National Association of Professional Organizers, recommends a simple hierarchy: “Store things nearest their point of use; cooking gear should be near the stove, dishes and glasses near the dishwasher.” He also advises placing items you use every day within easy reach, and putting less-used items at the back of shelves or in top cupboards.
When space planner and interior designer Jean Sharratt helped Margot and Chris Sieracki remodel their kitchen in Edgecombe, Maine, storage was the central challenge. “It was a nightmare,” says Sharratt of the cluttered countertops piled with appliances, spice jars, potholders, and cookbooks. Her design solutions more than doubled the kitchen’s storage capacity by dedicating specific zones for specific tasks—turning it into what This Old House Magazine called “a cheerful, well-ordered oasis.”
Amp up the electric.
A renovation is a prime opportunity to upgrade and increase lighting, outlets, and charging stations to serve the wired way we live today.
Go deep.
Folks who enjoy feeding a crowd may not need a larger sink but a deeper one to hold roasting pans and stock pots out of sight from company in the kitchen.
Do something bold above.
Add character to a cook space with distinctive pendant lights, like the opal glass globes the Smiths chose, or consider the current trend of painting the ceiling in a statement-making color and finish.
