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Kitchen Design and Cabinetry: Metro Kitchens Countertops: Double C Tile: Sunderland Brothers Co. Appliances: Factory Direct Appliance Photo by Paul Bonnichsen

Staying but Changing

Ron and Chris Hanna, a Liberty couple, were looking for a new house last year. When they couldn’t find one that fit their price range, style or preferred neighborhood, they gave their own home a second look. It was only four years old, but already could have used an upgraded kitchen. On the plus side, Ron had just completed a large deck off the kitchen and filled it in with lush landscaping. They decided to stay.

Amber Schmidtke a designer at Metro Kitchens and Baths helped them with the redesign. First, they moved out a built-in desk that was a catch-all for clutter. In its place, they added full-length pantry doors. Overhanging countertops couldn’t actually be used as bar seating so they ripped that out and installed an island instead; kitchen dining moved to a pub-height table and chairs in front of the sliding glass doors, with the added bonus of a view of Ron’s creative landscaping. Around the corner, the Hannas added a niche with a cabinet and countertop. Chris considered making it a bar, but thought bookshelves for her cookbooks would be a better use of space.

Using what space they had became a priority since the kitchen didn’t have too much space to spare. Schmidtke included pull-outs behind almost every cabinet for easy reaching and spice drawers on the side of the sink.

The Hannas’ appliance wish list started with double ovens, which Chris wanted for cooking Thanksgiving dinners, and a warming drawer. She also picked out a Kitchen Aid microwave whose door pulls down rather than swings wide, one reason the Hannas went with an entire Kitchen Aid package.

Design-wise, a barn red hood by Omega with a coffee glaze is the focal point of the room. Metal glass tiles in the backsplash also help draw the eye toward it. Surrounding cabinets by Kemper are a butternut color with a coffee glaze and envelop the room in a warm glow.

The Hannas originally wanted granite countertops, but Schmidtke showed them a Cambria quartz top that had all the colors in the room in it. They did choose a granite composite sink from Blanco.

Staying and remodeling rather than starting over was a smart decision for the Hannas. Their next project is converting the unused formal living room into a dining room.