Transforming a Kitchen: Bringing earthy and organic vibes to Fairway, Kansas

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When it comes to redesigning a kitchen, it's not just about making it look good; it's about making it work better for your life. That was the task at hand for one of our clients in Fairway, Kansas—a mid-40’s year old woman who brings a unique perspective to her home. As a scientist specializing in client-crisis management, her keen eye for detail and problem-solving skills extend beyond the laboratory to her living space. Having conducted her college studies in Antarctica and being an avid sailor, she values efficiency and adaptability in every aspect of her life, including her kitchen. With a deep understanding of her lifestyle and preferences, we embarked on a journey to upgrade her kitchen for both functionality and style.

Check out the dramatic before and after image below

Understanding Her Needs

Our client wanted more storage and counter space, but she also wanted a kitchen that felt welcoming—a place where she could comfortably entertain friends and family without feeling cramped. She didn't have a separate dining room, so integrating dining space into the kitchen was a must.

Embracing Her Style

With a keen inclination toward earthy, organic aesthetics, our client gravitated towards embracing warm tones and natural textures. Understanding her desire for a tranquil ambiance, we meticulously curated elements that embodied this essence. One standout feature is the stunning Fireclay Tile we selected, specifically the 2x8 Rosemary variant. This tile boasts a soothing green hue with subtle grey undertones, accentuated by decorative crazing and high color variation. The vertical straight stack adds a modern twist to the backsplash, further enhancing the space's visual appeal.

Additionally, we incorporated grain-match beech custom cabinets by Wes Edwin Design, a very unique choice known for its fine grain and warm, honey tones. Beech is prized for its durability and versatility, making it an excellent choice for custom cabinetry. Its natural beauty adds warmth and character to any space, elevating the overall aesthetic and creating a sense of timeless elegance.

Addressing Design Challenges

Expanding the kitchen without sacrificing dining space was a unique challenge, especially considering the limited footprint of the 170 square feet Fairway kitchen. Moreover, managing uneven floors and an uneven ceiling from the 1950s built home added design challenges that required innovative solutions. This particular issue prompted reflection on an earlier blog post titled "Should kitchen cabinets go all the way to the ceiling?"—a discussion that provided valuable insights and guided our approach to maximizing space while maintaining aesthetic harmony. We also took a risk with the design by opting for an open furniture base, which meant no toe kick. While it made cleaning a bit trickier, it added visual interest and made the space feel more open.

Fairway kansas kitchen remodel - plan view

Reaping the Rewards

The culmination of our efforts yielded a kitchen that surpassed our client's expectations. Through strategic planning and meticulous execution, we achieved a space that seamlessly blended practicality with style. By maximizing storage and counter space, we ensured functionality without compromising on aesthetics. Moreover, our integration of dining functionality was seamless, facilitating effortless transitions between meal preparation and hosting gatherings.

In addition to optimizing the kitchen's layout, we introduced two additional seating areas to enhance its versatility. A sleek bar, outfitted with two counter stools, offers a cozy spot for casual dining or sipping morning coffee. Complementing this is a charming banquette, comfortably seating four, which serves as an inviting setting for leisurely meals and lively conversations. To tie it all together, we selected a modern table from Room & Board, infusing the space with contemporary elegance and practicality. This transformation showcases our expertise in Kansas City kitchen design, delivering a space that not only meets but exceeds our client's vision.

In Conclusion

Redesigning a kitchen is about more than just aesthetics—it's about making the space work better for your life. By understanding our client's needs and style preferences, addressing design challenges creatively, and focusing on practicality, we were able to create a kitchen that was both functional and beautiful, right here in Fairway, Kansas.

Project completed, January 2024.

Kitchen Designer, Erica Kay Design
Custom Cabinets, Wes Edwin Design
General Contractor, Carl Carter, Correct Construction
Countertops, Blue Valley Granite