Writing a New Story

Incorporating rustic features into contemporary design was the goal for this kitchen remodel.

By Catherine McCoy

Photography by Keith and Judi Gegg

Interior Design by Emily Castle

Woodworking/Cabinetry by Gegg Design & Cabinetry and Lafferty Cabinets

Architecture By Gunn & Smith Architects

Category: 
|
 

Every home tells a story, and for these homeowners, each chapter has been defined by thoughtful design and transformation. They were no stranger to home design, having undergone several new builds and remodels through the years. 

“With each of our remodels, we’ve leaned towards a more contemporary look, but because our property is in a pastoral area, we brought in some rustic features,” she said.

The owners had worked with Keith Gegg, owner of Gegg Design & Cabinetry, for remodels a few years prior, and he had a good sense of what they preferred. Gegg, along with co-designer Emily Castle, was able to carry forth the homeowners’ style into a new setting, while adding fresh elements to write a new story for the family. “We carried over the custom steel shelves in their last kitchen, as well as Rift White Oak,” said Gegg. “The last kitchen was all Rift White Oak, but to keep this space brighter, the Rift Oak was used only for the island and small hood trim detail,” explains Gegg.

The kitchen’s open floor plan and high ceilings created an airy, welcoming design, though it required distinctions to give each zone its respective identity. To create definition for these spaces, Gegg worked with Gunn & Smith Architects to incorporate ceiling details over the kitchen and dining area. The team added coffers around the perimeter and between the dining and kitchen spaces to scale down the cabinetry’s height and add dimension to the recess lighting.

One of Gegg’s signature elements is creating unique kitchen hoods, “It is rare that we repeat hoods in different kitchen designs,” he said. Castle selected a backsplash to contrast the hood, which was then complemented with Mick DeGiulio lighting on either side of the hood, unifying the space into one cohesive element. The island was intentionally designed with seating on the back side, as to not interfere with flow to the refrigeration. The seating was also elevated to conceal the working counters from the living space, and the counters were finished with a waterfall. While simple in final form, the complexities of its design were integral in creating a clean look without disrupting the rest of the room’s continuity and function.

The finest home designs come from maintaining the owner’s style while venturing into new territories. As a veteran in home design, this homeowner encourages new home buyers and renovators to do their homework. “Magazines are great,” the homeowner says, “but they don’t show if a design team’s direction is too rigid to adapt to your home. You have to know what is comfortable for you and your family, and guide the process accordingly.” With the help of a good team collaborating and exploring various design options, homeowners can take the lead in creating a space that is comfortable and inspiring to live in.

 

Resources:

Contractor/Remodeler: Tuepker Brothers
Granite Supplier and Installer: Stone Fabricators Inc.