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This post is a part of a series that gives an inside look behind the creative process of homes featured on the upcoming ASID MN Kitchen Tour on April 16-17, 2016. You’ll get to see each designer’s challenges and joys behind creating the perfect kitchen for their client.
Today, we’re featuring the work of INVIEW Interior Design.
What was your design dilemma?
The homeowners had an idea of removing a wall between the old galley kitchen and the living room and creating a large island as a gathering place. To ensure ample storage and good flow, we built a new wall between the kitchen and the staircase creating an L-shape kitchen. Although the homeowners loved the balcony and the idea of looking down into the entry way, it was wasted real estate. However, we decided to preserve that feature by leaving a small section open and adding an architectural detail of raw steel spindles that match the new staircase railing.
Tell us about your source(s) of inspiration for this project.
Unique features and the architecture of the house (large windows with views to secluded and beautiful backyard, vaulted ceiling, corner fireplace, floating steps taking guests from front entry to main public spaces). The homeowner’s love for cooking and entertaining and their vision for the space: elegant but not too serious, updated but not too perfect, well-appointed, yet livable.
What were your top three go-to tools to get the job done?
- Information is gold. It’s important to ask many questions to learn about the needs and the wants of the homeowner and the limitations of the project before the pencil hits the paper, even if they seem irrelevant. That information is invaluable during design process to find the best solution.
- Involve the right experts in early stages of design development, whether it’s a cabinet shop, a lighting expert or a finishing carpenter. It helps to test the ideas and concepts and make adjustments on paper rather than in the field.
- 3D renderings to study the new space and experiment. Clients love the visual aspect and how easy it is to experience the space before it’s even built.
Tell us about the biggest challenge you encountered while executing the project and how did you overcome it?
Just like with any remodel, we encountered a few surprises along the way. Fortunately, we had a great team of experts to work with. Everyone on the team, including the homeowners, was very open-minded and easy to collaborate with. We approached every challenge as an opportunity to make the project even better. For example, the initial design included a perfectly symmetrical one-level island. During construction, however, it was discovered that the hood above the range in the island could only be placed in a certain place. To compensate for asymmetry, I created a raised bar on one end of the island, which became a favorite spot for one spouse to hang out and make drinks while the other prepares a meal.
What part of this project are you most proud of?
Very functional yet fun new lighting plan. It is flexible enough to create different moods whether it’s a large gathering or an intimate dinner for two, and includes unique light fixtures throughout the space that definitely add charm and personality.
I also love how the new kitchen compliments and enhances the architecture of the house and blends in with the homeowner’s existing collection of artwork and antiques.
See this kitchen and others on the ASID MN Kitchen Tour on April 16-17.
Presented by ASID MN
Photos by Alyssa Lee Photography
- This kitchen’s number on the tour: #2
- Home’s location: 6125 Blake Ridge Road, Edina, MN 55436
- Designer on project: Rena Feldman
- Company Name: INVIEW Interior Design
- Website: inviewinteriordesign.com
