This 1970’s Cottage Grove, Wisconsin house, described as a California Ranch, originally had a closed floor plan. The living room was divided into two rooms including an inner room with no windows at all!  The homeowners requested an open concept kitchen remodel that necessitated the removal of walls. Their goal was a space large enough to entertain family and friends. 

A large kitchen island with seating for 6 was created with a granite countertop that is cantilevered with custom steel supports. The gentle curve works with the shape of the room and a bank of pantry cabinets tucked by a wall on one end. We were able to save the homeowners money by making some economic decisions, such as not moving the location of the sink.  This decision reserved more of their budget for better cabinetry and appliances and small conveniences like additional electrical outlets were placed in the island.  These small details can turn a good design into a great home.

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Rustic Elegance

The hardwood floor is rustic, with exposed cut nail heads. A stainless steel, chimney style range hood is placed above the island.  The gas slide-in range is by Jenn-Air and the cabinets on each side were sized for a balanced symmetry. The open concept design allows light to fill the kitchen throughout the day. Taking eighteen inches of space from the dining room for a larger kitchen floor plan enabled the large island and upper cabinets. 

A Kitchen Designed For Ease of Use

Extra storage is provided on the back side of the island. The twenty-four inch deep cabinets are perfect for occasionally-used items like platters.  A bank of twelve inch deep pantry cabinets were chosen to store items used daily. At forty-eight inches wide by eighty-four inches high their size makes up for the modest amount of upper cabinet space. An existing walk-in pantry provides additional storage for bulk items.

A Warm Color Throughout

A light colored glazed backsplash tile with dark stripes pulls out the granite color, but doesn’t draw your attention from the granite.

 

Safety is Built In

The art of cooking is often a family activity when adult children and grandchildren visit. The slide-in range combined with the size of the island helps keep young hands away from hot surfaces. 

 
 
Abe Degnan, Owner Degnan Design-Build-Remodel.jpeg

Project Designer

Abe Degnan
Owner B. Arch

Project Manager

The Team at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel

 
“Abe and his wonderful crew changed our home with a fantastic kitchen remodel. They respected our budget, our time, our ideas and our home during the process. Although our work was done a few years ago, it still looks beautiful and has increased the value of our property.”
— Deb E, Cottage Grove, Wis