Indian Creek, Hailey
The Team
Red Door Design House of Bellevue, Marina Broschofsky; Brent Diehl Construction of Ketchum; Jay Cone Architecture of Hailey
The Challenge
Jeff and Kathleen Uberuaga had a rustic log home that needed refreshing. They also were very “green” conscious and used this awareness throughout the entire project. Though the whole house—which was wall-to-wall wood—experienced a change, the kitchen was redone rather than replaced. Storage was essential as the couple has three children. The family was living in New York during the remodel and returned to a beautifully updated home.
The Result
Cabinets were painted in pale green with low-VOC paints rather than replaced. On the fridge is a chalkboard for family lists. The wine rack in the island was concealed behind a door with a special sheeting product that resembles stone. The honed black granite for the countertops and backsplash was chosen to “ground” the rest of the large home and was one of the original design elements discussed. “The black also helped pull us away from the rustic qualities of this log home and move forward with a clean, new look,” says designer Marina Broschofsky.
Special Touches
Glass panels in the cabinet doors were replaced with a sustainable sheeting product made of 70 percent recycled, urea-formaldehyde-free wood fibers infused in acrylic creating a unique look like stone or concrete. Lighting was by Minka-Lavery and although most of the original appliances were preserved, the remainder came from Fisher Appliance of Ketchum.
Deer Creek, Hailey
The Team
Lloyd Construction, Inc. of Ketchum, Troy Quesnel, David Lloyd, J.T. Smith; Susan Scovell, Architect
The Challenge
The kitchen was to be redone as part of the home’s renovation that was limited to four months.
Additional Challenges
Owner Stephanie Bourgette wanted to consider alternatives to popular granite so other options were sought. They selected Silestone® countertops due to their stain and scratch resistance.
The Result
The kitchen was made larger by cleverly insulating and heating an old mud room/cold entry to make it look built-in and by adding a pantry. A separate cabinet piece replaced the above-counter cabinets, increasing storage options and freeing up room for an island with space to dine.
Special Touches
Eschewing granite, Silestone® Quartz was selected in a mellow gold Capri Limestone color, which complemented the made-from-scratch pale cabinets in the surrounding preparation areas. The dark red cabinet piece was created from a photo Bourgette provided. Drawer pulls and bead board tie the kitchen and cabinetry together. Ketchum Lighting was the source for fixtures. The Kitchen-Aid refrigerator, Jenn-Air range and Bosch dishwasher all came from Ketchum’s Fisher Appliance.
Edelweiss Condominiums, Warm Springs
The Team
Warren and Company Interior Design of Ketchum, Nanci Warren ASID; Kendall Luff Construction; Tim’s Electric; Morgan’s Fine Finishes
The Challenge
To create a comfortable ski hangout for at least six people, with a European rustic feel from what essentially was a ski locker at the base of Warm Springs with two levels measuring 11 feet, 6 inches wide by 24 feet long. Started at the end of the summer season, the project was to be completed before the New York owners arrived with guests for their Christmas holiday.
Additional Challenges
All of the facilities extended from what would have to be a multi-purpose kitchen to accommodate all the clients’ needs. There had to be six custom lockers for clothing and accessories, a custom shower/bath area and laundry facility upstairs. Making plumbing changes and creating a functional overall space was a real challenge.
The Result
A perfect break place from skiing using a galley format and custom cabinetry. Kitchen storage cabinetry houses not only cookware, but also appliances, and can be closed off when not in use. A 42-inch plasma television hangs over the long countertop and leaves room for both eating and a computer area—a must. The two bar chairs, a 10-foot sofa and three upholstered ottomans round out the seating arrangements. The spiral stair leads to the upstairs bathroom with a rain showerhead in the bath, private lockers, laundry facility and place for wet items.
Special Touches
Also disguised off the kitchen is ski storage, boot-and hand-warming machines, multiple hooks for coats, and cubbies for helmets and gloves, all for six. Paint choices and color palette, as well as the granite countertop color, were chosen from a traditional rug on the main floor. The accent lighting is halogen 12-volt recessed cans. Track lighting is hidden on the distressed beams for general light, and under-cabinet for tasks. Appliances, including a Kitchen-Aid drawer refrigerator/icer/freezer, drawer dishwasher and a hidden microwave, came from Fisher Appliance of Ketchum. >>>
New Villager Condos, Sun Valley
The Team
Lee Gilman Builders, Inc. of Ketchum; Interior Design by Jarvis Group Architects, AIA PLLC of Ketchum, Val Hartl
The Challenge
Tom and Janice Dee had a ’70s condominium with 21st century demands that included children and grandchildren that the Utah couple wanted to be able to house and entertain when visiting Sun Valley.
Additional Challenges
Space and time. Space is always a consideration in condos. The challenge was to stay within the allowable building restrictions and time schedule set forth by the condo association. The couple chose the mud season of spring starting in April 2007 with a desired end date of high summer season in July.
The Result
A warm yet durable kitchen with accent tile to better handle the splashes and spills of many untutored visitors, more functional cabinet space for stocking up for guests, state-of-the-art appliances and abundant counter space. Under-cabinet lighting was provided as well. The same granite used in the fireplace was incorporated into the kitchen countertops and a glass mosaic splash was selected to highlight and complement the granite, all from Sun Valley Rug & Tile of Ketchum. Variations on a rich chestnut color were selected for the wood flooring, cabinetry and window shutters. Opening up the space between the kitchen and living room created a more functional floor plan with better circulation and an updated look. Not only was the kitchen re-done, but all of the finishes throughout the condo were re-framed and remodeled except for the upstairs bathroom. The second floor above the kitchen was popped out to accommodate a larger master closet. All the flooring, cabinets and paint, lighting and plumbing were updated as well.
Special Touches
Halo lighting from Buffalo Electric, Inc. of Bellevue. Appliances from Fisher
Appliance of Ketchum.
Elkhorn, Sun Valley
The Team
Five Star Kitchen Designs, Inc. of Ketchum, Jennifer Zarkos Conrad; General Contractor, Conrad Brothers Construction of Ketchum
The Challenge
Rob and Kimberly Prew wanted to update the look and feel of the kitchen and adjacent family dining areas with a six-month deadline.
Additional Challenges
Kimberly was pregnant with the couple’s first child and wanted the project to be completed so they could move back in before the baby arrived. Connor Prew arrived a little early, setting everyone scrambling to finish the work.
The Result
Complete kitchen renovation as well as an update for each bathroom. A neutral paint color was selected for the entire home to complement the variety of other material used. Kitchen countertops of Black Absolute honed granite was chosen for the look and feel and also as a way to tie in the floor and cabinetry, giving the kitchen a very clean look.
Special Touches
Random offset glass tile from Oceanside, California, likewise tied everything together. The lighting came from Ketchum Lighting; appliances are all from Fisher Appliance and include Sub-Zero, Viking, Fisher & Paykel and Miele.
Before You Start
Unless you built it from scratch, chances are you didn’t move into a house with perfect rooms to accommodate every need, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the kitchen. Appliances advance, storage techniques refine and building materials become more durable and more environmentally-friendly. Remodeling your kitchen can increase the resale value of your home or, better still, increase its functionality and comfort as it often is the place most people gather.
Whether you consult a designer or do it yourself, you will need a basic plan. This plan should include a list of the good and the bad aspects in your existing kitchen, a wish list, and one that isn’t as pie in the sky, along with a realistic view of your storage and workspace needs.
You will need to decide if you want to cluster workspaces or have one shared space based on your family and its dynamic.
Don’t Forget
Families are cooking more often together and the economy is dictating a lot more “staycations,” meaning the kitchen is going to be more essential than ever.
There are many prefabricated organizational features that can help modify any space to expand the capacity. Cabinets now are coming with roll-out or tilt-out features as well.
Your appliances should be purchased with an eye toward leaving them in place should you move. They should match your need and décor, and can now be energy efficient if so designated by EnergyStar.
Don’t forget the kitchen sink. Pay attention as you prepare a meal as to where you are setting things and see what is out there that can meet your needs. You can get them in single-bowl, double-bowl, deep and shallow versions.
Submit photos of your remodel here!