A tiny East Austin kitchen was architecturally reworked to provide a spacious, bright and functional gathering area for a family of four who loves to cook.
Written by Wilson HackThe house, situated on Austin's East side, was built in the 1990s with mediocre quality. After purchasing it, the client relocated to Seattle for several years, turning it into a rental property. Upon their return, they realized the layout didn't suit their needs. With cooking being a passion for the mother and daughter, their top priority was creating a functional kitchen space.
The kitchen was difficult to navigate due to a diagonal wall that blocked light from the only small window, making the space feel cramped. Suzanna removed the wall, revealing three windows and a door that flooded the space with light. Custom cabinets were installed to accommodate the family's large collection of kitchen items and appliances. The ceiling-to-counter cabinets had sliding doors for easy access, and the soapstone countertops provided ample prep space and a seating area for the client's children and guests.
A small microwave, hidden by a curtain, softens the collection of end units. "It felt like an English working kitchen," Suzanna mused, "with the wall of cabinetry and all the open space." Custom cabinetry was specifically designed for everything the family used and needed. Next to the stove, everything had to be extremely functional - a pull-out cabinet for cooking oils and a different pull-out for spices were added on either side. The original floors, white tile throughout the whole house, were removed and replaced with white oak wide plank flooring by Greenworld. Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace was applied to the walls and ceiling; Revere Pewter was then added to the cabinets to give a subtle variation of tones.
A built-in banquet area was designed so that the seats lift up and reveal plenty of storage underneath. The walls were tiled, giving it a slightly upscale restaurant vibe.
