Neil Kelly

Mid-Century Modern Kitchen Remodel | Kitchen Renovation Eugene, Oregon

Mid-Century Modern Kitchen Remodel

2012 NARI Regional AwardWinner

It was important to this young generation Y couple to find an older mid- century home in a good neighborhood and remodel rather than move into a newer subdivision on the outskirts of town.

The existing home had an open airy split level feel with a strong brick element dividing the upper level from the lower level but the kitchen was closed off from the adjacent spaces.  The original kitchen was worn, dark and dated and was not a fun or easy place to entertain.  Our goal was to create an open kitchen that was functional and entertaining and easily flowed into the dining and family room on either side.  Our clients wanted an open feel but they were worried that we would lose too much countertop and cabinet space compared to the existing kitchen.

Removing the existing partition wall and working within the existing footprint we had a limited amount of space to fit our new kitchen.  The island became the focus of the kitchen.  It provided the main working/preparation/cooking area.  It also became the element that kept the guests comfortable on one side with the cooks on the other.  Adding the additional glass sliding patio door on the dining side created another easy way to access the back deck and brought more light into the room.  A single skylight was added between the island and the large brick wall in the center of the home.  The kitchen window was enlarged as well.

We chose modern materials that fit within the existing home.  Strand woven bamboo floors were placed throughout the space.  Mahogany cabinets topped with Caesarstone countertops in Nougat and Raven were accented by 24”x24” recycled porcelain tile with 1” glass penny round decos.  Light fixtures and cabinet hardware lends itself to the mid-century style.  A tall pull out pantry was included to the left of the refrigerator.  The oven was located in its original brick wall location.  The microwave convection oven was located neatly under the island countertop.  Large porcelain tiles clad the back side of the island to protect the surface from feet on stools and accent the surrounding surfaces.