Royal Oak, MI Kitchen Remodel

Homeowner Need

This 1960’s Royal Oak tri-level home faced significant challenges, rendering it nearly uninhabitable prior to construction. The sprawling floor plan, while spacious, failed to optimize the available space effectively.

Upon taking ownership, the new homeowner embarked on a mission to breathe new life into the residence. This involved a complete interior gutting and addressing numerous structural issues, necessitating a comprehensive redesign of the entire first floor.

Remodeling Solution

Navigating the complexities posed by the vaulted ceiling, structural beam in the living room, and openings for the upper and lower levels presented a unique set of challenges for the kitchen design. To overcome these obstacles, we devised a creative solution: enclosing the lower level stairwell entry with partition walls and a frosted glass door, creating a foyer-like opening. This not only enhanced the flow of the space but also allowed for the creation of a spacious walk-in pantry within the new kitchen area.

The pantry, cleverly concealed behind the symmetrical facade of the kitchen, became the focal point of the design, seamlessly integrating practicality with aesthetics. Dual islands, with the center one dedicated to prep featuring an apron front kitchen sink, and a cooking area flanked by 24” Thermador refrigerator and freezer columns, further enhanced the functionality and style of the kitchen.

Special attention was given to unique details, such as the raised bar area surrounding a structural post, and custom cable-hung white oak shelves stained to match the new beam work. The walk-in pantry, with its open shelving showcasing the homeowner’s extensive cake plate collection, served as a multifaceted solution to several design dilemmas.

Encased in wainscoted and custom-lit entryways, the frosted glass doors added a touch of elegance, further elevating the overall aesthetic of the space.