The Heather Scott Home & Design team was excited to finally see our episode for “House Hunters Renovations” air a couple of weeks ago on HGTV.

[media-credit id=2 align=”aligncenter” width=”500″][/media-credit]

In case you missed it, it is scheduled re-air Saturday, May 28th at 10pm EST/9 pm CST , but check this link for confirmation of dates and air times.

[media-credit id=2 align=”aligncenter” width=”500″][/media-credit]

Everyone loves a good ‘before & after’ and this house was no exception.  She wanted rustic farmhouse and he wanted traditional.  Both husband and wife were willing to compromise and sacrifice to give the other what they wanted, which is always a great way for a couple to manage a remodel!

BEFORE:

This is it: tiny, cramped, just plain old and dark kitchen which was not conducive to today’s lifestyle.

[media-credit id=2 align=”aligncenter” width=”2448″][/media-credit]

The biggest challenges were the layout and ceiling height (including lighting and venting).  Our clients had a specified budget they wanted to spend, but they also wanted to blow out the back wall and take the kitchen into the hallway/hall closet to give them more space.  Unfortunately, when you start moving walls, things get expensive fast. The homeowners ended up having to increase their budget to get the space they wanted.

We also had some major issues with the duct work and lighting.  We all wanted to raise the ceiling, but did not have a place to put the AC ducts.  We ended up going with exposed ducts in order to get a higher ceiling in this room. The homeowners did not mind the industrial look and the added ceiling height made a huge difference in making the kitchen feel more spacious.

AFTER:

Beyond the ‘behind the walls’ improvements, where a large chunk of the budget went, we were also able to develop and implement a plan for new surface materials throughout the kitchen.

You can see below the cabinets suggested.  I recommended an off-white shaker style with a glaze on the side cabinets and a beautiful alternative cabinet style, in a color called ‘ocean’, for the back wall.  The homeowners were nervous to commit to the ocean color on the whole back wall, but were willing to step out of their comfort zone and use it for a small portion by the ovens.  I loved that they were willing to try something bolder even though it was not something they would traditionally choose.

We used a taupe colored quartz material on the counter tops and incorporated just a small portion of a mosaic herringbone tile for above the cook-top.

[media-credit id=2 align=”aligncenter” width=”653″][/media-credit]

The homeowner was also keen on a collected furniture look for the kitchen, as opposed to being surrounded by cabinets on all three sides of the room.  I suggested exposed shelves above a furniture piece in one area and kept the wall above the sink open for shiplap and a custom art piece from Brayden & Brooks.  They were so sweet to actually customize the piece for the family.

[media-credit id=2 align=”aligncenter” width=”500″][/media-credit]

[media-credit id=2 align=”aligncenter” width=”500″][/media-credit]

The trickiest part was probably the island.  The kitchen was very narrow and we did not have room for a standard island, or if we had done one, it would have looked like an odd block in the room.  Luckily, the couple was opened to the concept of a furniture piece here, also.  We were able to find an awesome piece with a tin top and wood base. The folding edges give the family the option to expand the top for buffet serving or for the kids to do homework close to mom.

[media-credit id=2 align=”aligncenter” width=”500″][/media-credit]

Kitchen renovations are a big undertaking.  This family of five lived in the house during the 8 week renovation.  It was messy, inconvenient, and as usual, went over budget.  The one bright point is that I have never had anyone say, once it is done, that it was not worth it.  Everyone always ends up wondering why they waited so long to make the change.  This house was just the same. This family is growing up on acreage, exploring nature, enjoying a farmhouse lifestyle and celebrating togetherness in this new home and a kitchen space that will bring years of fond memories. And what is more important than cherishing time with loved ones?