When faced with an immovable beam and the need to keep the same cabinetry footprint, SpaceCraft Joinery came up with a solution that adds to the functionality and beauty of this kitchen.
The backstory: The clients wanted SpaceCraft Joinery to redesign the kitchen space while retaining the footprint and slate floor. They also wanted a modern kitchen with warm and earthy tones that complement the existing flooring and cabinetry.
Color and materials palette: “For the solution, we just couldn’t go past wormy chestnut,” says Ellen Wundersitz of SpaceCraft Joinery. The wood, from trees killed by blight and damaged by insects, was used on the doors, back panel and floating shelves. Faces are finished in a 20 percent satin finish or in Dulux polyurethane in Domino. The countertops are Caesarstone in Raw Concrete. The backsplash tile is Oslo in the Artisan series by Southern Cross Ceramics.
The solution: “If we couldn’t shift the beam, the best idea was to build it into our thinking,” Wundersitz says. “So our builder was able to make a few modifications that allowed us then to create an island unit with overhead cupboards that covered the same footprint as the previous cabinetry while concealing the beam and column.”
The upshot: Wundersitz believes that the warmth of the wood and the cool charcoal color work well together, complemented by the coppery pendant lights, Caesarstone counters and show-stopping wall tiles.
“Behind this facade, we managed to deliver all the practicality [the homeowners] were after, making a kitchen that matches its aesthetics with ergonomics,” she says.
“Behind this facade, we managed to deliver all the practicality [the homeowners] were after, making a kitchen that matches its aesthetics with ergonomics,” she says.