Before & After… Kitchen Undergoes An Extreme Makeover!

                            Before                                                                              After

She and husband Michael decided they were ready for a change. They’d been in this home for ten years, and hoped for many more years in the dwelling in which they were raising their three kids, then aged eight, eleven and thirteen. Learn here how Michael and Shelley became “dream weavers”… And with the help of an award-winning, detail-oriented remodeling company they achieved their goals and more as their kitchen underwent an extreme makeover!

The room: Michael and Shelley’s objective was to transform their 18’ x 12’ late ‘80s kitchen into a spectacular, 30’ x 20’ focal point of their home.

The project: The Rays wanted a total re-make of their kitchen: Additional space for entertaining family and friends while creating a place for the kids to hang out or do homework as Shelley cooked; replacement of dated cabinets, countertops, lighting and plumbing fixtures, appliances, and flooring; and expansion of the backyard view so they could see their children’s outdoor antics from the kitchen. These requests, combined with suggestions made by Harold, came together brilliantly in the makeover.

The process: An initial interview allowed Harold to understand Michael and Shelley’s desired results; numerous interactions followed. Harold believes
the key to a successful renovation is continuous client/staff dialogue. An important aspect early on was the creation of ample kitchen space and circulation in such a way that it appeared the new space had always been there. Michael and Shelley agreed with Harold that they didn’t want their expansion to look like an “add-on” to the house. Various models were reviewed as an optimal design was determined. Harold re-configured the new space while also redefining the kitchen’s adjuncts to other rooms to achieve a fresh yet “been there forever” look. Entryways and traffic flow changed as a result, enhancing the transformation.

Michael and Shelley chose gleaming oak hardwoods to replace vinyl flooring. Oak cabinets and laminate countertops were replaced with glazed cherry, raised-panel cabinetry, granite countertops, and custom tile backsplashes. Select cabinets throughout the kitchen feature “waterfall” glass fronts for character and appeal, while removing the potential heaviness of too much wood in one room. The kitchen’s adult bar features a unique “see-through” cabinet, allowing a family room view while providing a wonderful and convenient glassware display. In a similar thought mode, one area of cabinetry features open areas for cookbooks, while another
features open drawers with vegetable baskets for both function and fun.

The Rays opted for strategically placed recessed fixtures and pendants over their two-tiered center island, providing style and overall general lighting. Under-cabinet task lighting supplies work space illumination, and over-cabinet mood lighting washes the ceiling with luminosity. Michael and Shelley gave up cabinets over the sink in lieu of large triple windows to view backyard activities, with the provision of natural light as an added benefit.

Regarding appliances, they chose stainless steel, including double ovens and a corner cooktop affording a recessed ceramic tile shelf and an attractive vented hood. Harold, a Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS), suggested universal design in the installation of an under-counter microwave.

In addition to the kitchen’s now-ample cabinetry, built-in and walk-in pantries provide the Rays with plenty of storage space. The new look and new flow of space is nothing short of stunning… It’s truly an outstanding example of an extreme makeover! 

The cost: Although H. Glazer Builder, Inc. has renovated numerous kitchens in the price range of $75,000, this particular renovation ran approximately $125,000 as a result of the space added to the existing home.

Designed by: Harold Glazer of H. Glazer Builder, Inc. in collaboration with homeowners Michael and Shelley Ray.

Built by: Company President Harold Glazer, General Construction Superinten-dent Robert Smith, and the professional H. Glazer Builder, Inc. team of project managers and sub-contractors.

Comments from the homeowners: “We love our new kitchen!” says Shelley. “It’s truly everything we ever wanted. While Harold, Robert, and the entire team were amazing as they guided us through every step, the sub-contractors were also very respectful of our property and of us as a family. That made it easier to have workers in the house ten hours a day! We are very, very pleased with the results of this endeavor.”

Rebecca R. Newsome is a Freelance Writer