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A sublime view of Bass River becomes the focal point for this kitchen remodel.

DESIGN BY CHRIS CHILDS

CONSTRUCTION BY PATRIOT BUILDERS

TEXT BY DEBORAH J. CARR

COLOR PHOTOGRAPHY BY PATRICK WISEMAN

When Mike first saw the house, he was skeptical. Arlene, however, knew the house had the potential to meet their relocation requirements and Cape fantasies.

Located in a small development of vintage 1950s and 1960s split levels, the almost-suburban appearance of the front of the house belied the Bass River views from the back of the house. An expansive 50-foot ground floor area, combining a kitchen, dining and living room, opened out to a deck and swimming pool. Although the view was a deal maker, the interior space required some vision.

The ill-conceived kitchen was a prime example of the “What were they thinking?” school of architecture. Cabinets that hung from the ceiling divided the kitchen from the dining and living room area, but blocked the river view. A dream kitchen for a Cape house has as much to do with a connection to the exterior environment as it does with interior design considerations. This kitchen’s unfortunate floor plan, out-of-date appliances and dark, inferior cabinetry compromised the house’s main selling point. It was a room denied a view.

UPGRADES NEEDED
After five summers in their new home, the Whelans moved from Ohio. The summers helped clarify what modifications would make the 46-year-old house suitable as a primary residence. Remodeling the kitchen was a given, but they expanded the project to include additional amenities, upgrades and cosmetic improvements to the entire ground floor. In addition to gutting the kitchen and adjoining laundry/mudroom, they wanted cosmetic improvements in the living room and dining areas. They wanted to create a warmer, more user-friendly space, update interior décor, improve space configuration, add storage, upgrade products and match the space to their lifestyle.

The Whelans’ remodeling priorities reflect their casual, easy-going lifestyle. With three grown children and three grandchildren (and another on the way), home-design decisions are family oriented and child friendly. However, the Whelans’ décor is sophisticated, including many pieces of glass sculpture collected from overseas travel during Mike’s 20-year career as an international businessman. They didn’t necessarily need bigger space, but they needed better space.

The Whelans turned to Patriot Builders in Harwichport. Designer Chris Childs proposed a combination of options that would capitalize on the view, improve the efficiency of the kitchen and add additional storage space. He also suggested aesthetic improvements to add character, color, tone and texture to each of the areas. Childs acknowledges that living in a house during a remodeling project can be frustrating for homeowners, which is why Patriot tries so hard to accommodate their needs. “We understand we are working in a home; it’s not just a work site,” says Childs. “The key to making it a smooth and enjoyable process for the homeowner is answering questions and addressing concerns in a timely manner.”

Mike says they felt comfortable with Patriot’s proposal and had confidence in the company to deliver. As planned, the kitchen and mudroom were gutted the week before Christmas, and the project was completed by mid-March.

Patriot’s established relationships with subcontractors were essential to completing the project on time, and without any major mid-course surprises. The only snag in the remodeling plan was the unanticipated need to replace the ceiling after the kitchen cabinets were removed. Yet this worked to the homeowners’ advantage for the installation of recessed lighting throughout the 50-foot space. The lighting plan also included task lighting, interior cabinet lighting in the kitchen and a chandelier in the dining area.

EFFICIENCY AND ELEGANCE
Arlene is a serious cook, and home entertaining is an important part of the Whelans’ lifestyle. Her expectations for the new kitchen were specific, and some—especially granite counter surfaces—were non-negotiable. Her wish list included every element, from major expenditures (cabinetry, countertops and flooring) to the smallest details (knobs, fixtures, drawer pulls, task lighting), to create a functionally beautiful space. “We wanted the space opened up. We wanted to have more light, but we wanted the space to have warmth,” says Arlene. “We wanted it to be comfortable, but elegant.”

In addition to structural alterations in the kitchen, her expectations regarding appliances (quiet washing machine, electric double oven and easy-to-clean gas stovetop with five burners, a compactor, extra-deep double sink) were firm. All the new appliances match Arlene’s cooking expertise and preference for high quality and technical performance.

The remodeled kitchen is zoned according to function and task, with efficient areas for food prep, cooking, eating, cleanup and storage. It proves the design adage that a kitchen doesn’t have to be large, but the work space has to flow correctly–with food preparation and cooking ideally in close proximity, preferably in a triangle or straight line. Convenient for food preparation, the kitchen is elegant but child friendly. (Arlene selected drawer pulls that are child-safe and won’t show little fingerprints).

The semi-custom toffee cabinets, which are traditionally styled but functionally modern, offer plenty of storage space and convenience options. There is plenty of space for the china and crystal the Whelans brought from Ohio. One cabinet section has glass doors and interior lighting to showcase some of Arlene’s favorite pieces. A beverage center, adjacent to the laundry center/pantry, has a wine cooler, bar/counter space and glass-fronted cabinet designed to accommodate all glasses, including stemware.

The crisp, open kitchen, which now has access to the sublime river view, reflects all of the Whelans’ remodeling priorities. The kitchen is elegant, efficient and within easy reach of the interior dining and living areas, as well as the deck and pool area. It is connected visually and physically to the living room and dining area, yet separated by the island/countertop and bar stools. “The most important feature of the new kitchen is the island and counter seating,” says Arlene.
The door to the pool area, located between the dining area and living room space, provides easy access to the outside. The interior/exterior space is used frequently for outdoor dining and entertaining. The Whelans are relaxed about foot traffic on their new oak floors, but there is also a second entrance from the pool area through the garage to the mudroom/laundry room off the kitchen.

ADJACENT SPACES
Although there was an ersatz laundry room off the original kitchen, the space was underutilized. As part of the remodeling project, it has been transformed into a stylish and functional room that provides all the amenities of the new, more highly conceived laundry center. Along with a Formica countertop for folding laundry, there is a desk/office niche. In addition to the wall fitted with washer and dryer, there is a broom closet, extensive storage cabinets and slide-out wall pantry. A back-up refrigerator is an added plus for entertaining needs. The room reprises the same quality craftsmanship and detail in the flooring, lighting and countertop surfaces as the adjacent powder room and kitchen.

With the exception of the remodeled kitchen and laundry room, most of the interior design improvements were cosmetic rather than structural. The original white walls and tile floor gave the ground floor a stark appearance. With too much white, there was also a harsh glare from all-day sun. The new, subtler beige tone softens the room. The addition of crown molding has given the room more drama and character. The elegant oak floor unifying the three areas is warmer, as well as more resilient and user friendly than the original tile floor.

The expansive 50-foot space is tamed by furniture defining the three areas. While the bar stools accommodate children and casual dining, a handsome new table adjacent to the kitchen area establishes a more formal dining space. The Whelans’ furniture from Ohio fits perfectly in the living room area. Chairs were reupholstered to reflect the black and beige color scheme and to coordinate with the new valance window treatments.

In keeping with the whole remodeling project, an effort was made to absorb the Whelans’ Ohio possessions without compromising the ambience of the Cape. “We worried every step of the way about everything, but I’m thrilled how everything has turned out,” says Arlene. “All of our questions were answered during the project. It was really pretty smooth sailing.”

The new kitchen, dining and living space has been softened, redefined and updated but blends with the rest of the house. The remodeling has created a sense of spaciousness, while simultaneously adding depth and character. The décor is smart, functional and sophisticated. Its soft tones and clean lines reflect the Whelans’ interest in comfort and function without compromising elegance. The space has acquired the charm worthy of its location.

Visit our Where to Buy Section for information on purchasing products from this project.