Vashon Scandinavian Farmhouse: Design
When this fantastic couple came to me in need of an updated kitchen, I was happy to jump in on the project. Little did I know, by the time we were finished with design, I would have a general contractor’s license and a very able crew.
We started design where most designs start, some inspiration photos. At the time, they had a contractor who also specialized in cabinetry that they were eager to use. The photos we had shared held much of the farmhouse aesthetic, but the cabinet design style was more midcentury modern in styling.
Our next challenge was size. We had a tight space, possibly one of the smallest kitchens I have yet to work on, with no ability for structural change. This meant that we had to somehow create an illusion of space, and provide the necessity of storage.
Display is important to this family, with young blooming artists, but not so much display that it becomes a cluster of tchotchkes.
The last challenge was to provide flexibility for a dining space where a built in dining nook was desired, as well as the flexibility to move the table and extend with leaves for larger family gatherings.
How did we do? Let’s take a look!
Step 1: The Concept
Design is very much focused on creating functional spaces. But, it is also art, and finding inspiration goes far beyond Pinterest. We look at symbolism that may be derived from project needs, creating the bridge between art and function.
Step 2: The Schematics
Taking the ideas above and combining them with an interior space gave us a space with a play on dimensional quality, creating a light and airy space that can also be warm and intimate. We created depth with color to bring the illusion of space, simultaneously working with line to bring a tall space down to human scale.
The above concept combined with the need for expansion and growth, while working with a very small space with a very tall ceiling provided us with the above diagrammatic space plan. Looking at the space in a schematic method, focusing more on shape, dimension, and line, allowed us to move our concept into a three-dimensional experience.
Step 3: The Design
Right around the middle of this phase, we discovered that the cabinet shop/general contractor would not be able to follow through, due to COVID.
The family had no hard feelings, and were happy to consider jumping on as one of our first design-build clients! The willingness to be first in line for a new service was so brave, and we are so lucky to have this level of trust.
Once we had this diagrammatic approach, we could begin looking at how this could be applied in the form of actual cabinets
We looked at the pockets and niches as opportunities for functional space
We started by trying to capture the vintage appeal of the older home by combining vintage fixtures with modern cabinetry.
The final sketches were pulled together, and the final drawings put on paper for approval. Even at this point there were little tweaks that came about later.
The sketches help us get an idea of how the space will look, but sometimes the only way to truly feel the experience is to see it.
Step 4: Construction Documents
The last step: the details. Every cabinet was reviewed in detail, and more details began developing on the first day of demolition as we discovered exposed pipes that required access in cabinetry among other small intricacies. Design should never, ever stop with the final set. Really… there is no “final” set.
This family were such troopers. On day one of demolition, one of them says to me, “I’m still not 100% sure where everything goes”. Some people have a hard time visualizing a space based on drawings, and I do the best I can to help with that visualization. But, trusting the designer to consider all your needs and consider all the challenges faced in your home, creating solutions for those challenges goes a long way as well. I could not be more grateful for the trust instilled in me!
Stay tuned for part II: The build!
