UNIVERSITY:

This 1970s duplex was originally dark and compartmentalized with an enclosed stairwell, and a galley kitchen was squeezed into the current dining room.  Upon seeing the space, our design-build team immediately knew the next chapter for this home involved removing the wall between living / dining and opening the stairwell to increase light and sight, and flipping the kitchen and dining room placements to create a much larger kitchen with an island.  Our designer collaborated closely with the homeowners to ensure a seamless flow, ample storage solutions and safety precautions for this aging couple to host their children and grandchildren.

Now this duplex is flooded with natural light front to back, and the drastically increased sight lines make it feel that the space doubled in size.  A custom cherry range hood serves as the focal point for this new kitchen, which is otherwise adorned by off-white shaker perimeter cabinets, an oversized cherry wood island, quartz counters, coppery subway tile, GE Cafe appliances in matte white, and a combination of brushed brass and oil rubbed bronze metals.  The new stairwell features red oak newel posts and handrail with oil rubbed bronze balusters.  

Photos: Amanda Proudfit Photography