About the kitchen:
The back of this 1960s mid-century modern home expanded two feet in the back to accommodate a new kitchen layout, the addition of a mudroom, and proper traffic flow. A new wall of windows was incorporated to afford views of the backyard, and the additional square footage allowed for a large center island—with an exposed I-beam—and access to a beautiful exterior space. The space was designed with a mix of natural wood and metal and steel accents, exactly what the client wanted.
What was your design dilemma?
This project started with the need to create a new kitchen and mudroom while emphasizing the clients’ 1960’s midcentury home. The desire to connect the adjacent family room, informal dining, and a link to an exterior patio put the changes in motion. To create the updated kitchen layout, proper traffic flow from the mudroom, and access to the adjacent family room/ dining, the back of the house was bumped out just two feet.
How did you solve this design dilemma?
Since the client also wanted views to the large back yard, a wall of windows was placed along the rear facing portion of the kitchen, eliminating upper cabinets. The sink and dishwasher were set in this windowed ‘bumped out’ space. The additional two feet allowed for a large center island, forcing traffic flow out of the kitchen work zone to the other side of the island. This allows for easy movement between living area, kitchen and mudroom while not interfering with meal prep and clean up. A link to the exterior space was enhanced with large, center opening, sliding doors from the informal dining area. These doors spill onto a raised, stone patio for easy access to grilling, dining and in ground spa. Amazingly, an additional two feet was all that was needed to create a floor plan that includes a mudroom, updated kitchen, informal dining, family room and access to a beautiful exterior space.
Tell us about some of specific details of the project that make it special.
To further enhance the newly, light washed area, white counters along the sink wall and coffee bar create a bright accent next to plain cut maple cabinets. A dark, fully wrapped island aligns itself with an exposed I-beam used to frame and support the bump out. This steel accent is further developed with stainless appliances, steel trim cabinetry and stainless steel tile and sheeting used as backsplash materials. Even a metal recess channel is sunk along the island’s counter for accent, while also concealing electrical plug mold. Pop up counter outlets are used to give electrical access along the exterior window wall.
What part of this project are you most proud of?
Our client loves this techy mix of woods, metals and stone, all combined to create a great gathering space for family and friends. Direct access to the exterior entertainment areas give them even more living space in the extended outdoor season we love in Minnesota.
See this kitchen and others on the ASID MN Designer Kitchen Tour on April 18-19. Info and tickets can be found on mhmag.com/designweek
By Jennie Eukel, presented by ASID MN
Photo by Troy Thies
- This kitchen’s number on the tour: #10
- Home’s location: 5504 Glengarry Pkwy Edina, MN, 55436
- Designer on project: Christine Frisk
- Company Name: InUnison Design
- Website: inunisondesign.com