The Detailed Design Process Behind a Large Scale, Elegant Kitchen Remodel.
This kitchen remodel by RCQ Design defines what it means for the kitchen to be the “heart of the home.”
Interview Questions Answered by Principal Designer Rina Capodieci-Quinn.
What was the goal?
The clients were soon-to-be empty nesters and wanted a fresh kitchen that catered to their new routine, but also allowed flexibility for the times when their kids came home. This kitchen remodel project was all about creating the perfect “heart of the home” specific to the clients. They host many family holidays and parties, so having a kitchen that could accommodate large gatherings was important. The challenge was to create a functional space that was large enough for entertaining, but offered cozy nooks for their daily lifestyle.
What was the scope?
The entire house was a new construction project, therefore the kitchen had to be designed from concept to completion.
What was the sought-after interior design aesthetic?
The client was looking for a bright & fresh kitchen interior that allowed for a lot of natural light with a balanced blend of traditional details and contemporary touches.
What were the phases of design?
Meet with the Homeowner
Develop a Floor Plan
Find and Work with a Kitchen Designer
Select Kitchen Specific Materials
Select Kitchen Decor and Design Details
Can you explain each phase of design more in depth? For example:
Meet with Homeowner —
When meeting with the client it’s extremely important to discuss the overall experience they want to have in their space and also get an understanding of the desired kitchen interior design aesthetic being sought after. Some questions included:
How did they wanted to feel when in the space?
How did they planned to use the space on a daily basis as well as during holidays and special events?
Floor Plan —
A floor plan was developed by using all the information previously obtained from the initial client meeting.
Find and Work with a Kitchen Designer —
The RCQ team always works closely with a kitchen designer or custom cabinet maker to iron out all the details of kitchen interior design. It’s extremely important to go over the lay-out and elevation drawings with someone who specializes in kitchen details. The interior of each cabinet and drawers were discussed to make sure they were designed properly to house what the client was expecting to store in them.
Select Kitchen Specific Materials —
Once the floor plan, elevation drawings, and interior cabinet spaces were worked out and approved, the process of selecting the cabinet colors, hardware, counter tops, backsplash, plumbing fixtures, floor material, and kitchen appliances began.
Select Kitchen Decor and Design Details —
Simultaneously as the kitchen specific materials were worked out, the kitchen decor was chosen. For example, selecting the stool & dining chair styles, the sitting area sofa and chairs, and the fabrics they would be upholstered in. A kitchen table and cocktail table were custom crafted to complete the sitting areas. Additionally, as fabrics were being chosen for furniture, select fabrics for the window treatments were also coordinated so that everything in the space was harmonious.
What was your favorite part of the job?
Rina’s favorite part of doing any kitchen is always the collaboration with the kitchen designer and cabinet maker to make sure every detail is well thought out and executed to perfection.
What was your least favorite part of the job?
Specific to this job, Rina’s least favorite part was waiting for all the pieces to fall into place so that she could see her vision come to life.
What made this job unique then other jobs you’ve done?
This kitchen remodel was unique in the fact that the client had very specific requests. The dining area had to feel cozy when just two people were dining, but have the ability to expand to fit a family of (plus at least 2-3 guests). The stools had to have a window view, and a cozy T.V. and seating area also needed to be in proximity of the working kitchen area.
Photography Credit: Peter Rymwid