Kitchen Tour: A Layout Tweak Gives a Small Kitchen More Storage
Imaginative thinking gave this once awkward kitchen more worktop space, extra cupboards and a much lighter mood
Rob and Martha Carlin thought replacing the appliances and worktop might be enough to fix the problems they had with their kitchen. But the more they thought about it, the more they realised they needed professional help. They wanted more worktop space and cabinet storage, and they knew something was wrong with the workflow, the way the fridge stood in a corner and a dining table protruded into the circulation path.
They hired designer Jaclyn Lankiewicz of Jaclyn Marie Interiors to update the look and improve the layout. Jaclyn relocated the refrigerator and added more cabinets, fresh style and a new peninsula that gives the Carlins the additional storage and work surface they craved.
They hired designer Jaclyn Lankiewicz of Jaclyn Marie Interiors to update the look and improve the layout. Jaclyn relocated the refrigerator and added more cabinets, fresh style and a new peninsula that gives the Carlins the additional storage and work surface they craved.
Jaclyn took the kitchen down to the studs. She relocated the fridge to the spot of a former pantry cabinet and stole space from a cupboard under the staircase to recess the appliance out of the traffic path.
She removed the dining table and added an L-shaped run of base cabinets and worktop culminating in a new peninsula. She also added some wall units.
White, Shaker-style cabinets and a marble tile splashback (a homeowner splurge) give the kitchen a fresh look. “I wanted to do everything light and bright,” Jaclyn says. “All of the kitchens [the owner] showed me had white cabinets, and it’s a classic look.”
Jaclyn integrated some glass-fronted wall units to break up the cabinetry and give the couple an opportunity to display nice wine glasses and decorative plates. Each of the upper and lower corner cabinets has a lazy Susan inside. “It helps in terms of storage, but also items not being buried in the back where I can’t find them,” Martha says.
Ceiling and woodwork painted in Chantilly Lace, Benjamin Moore.
She removed the dining table and added an L-shaped run of base cabinets and worktop culminating in a new peninsula. She also added some wall units.
White, Shaker-style cabinets and a marble tile splashback (a homeowner splurge) give the kitchen a fresh look. “I wanted to do everything light and bright,” Jaclyn says. “All of the kitchens [the owner] showed me had white cabinets, and it’s a classic look.”
Jaclyn integrated some glass-fronted wall units to break up the cabinetry and give the couple an opportunity to display nice wine glasses and decorative plates. Each of the upper and lower corner cabinets has a lazy Susan inside. “It helps in terms of storage, but also items not being buried in the back where I can’t find them,” Martha says.
Ceiling and woodwork painted in Chantilly Lace, Benjamin Moore.
A new, low-profile, slide-in range cooker allows the splashback to stand out. The Carlins kept their former fridge, microwave and dishwasher to save money.
New waterproof, solid-surface, wood-look luxury plank flooring provides rich contrast to the lighter cabinets and absorbs sound. “That was probably one of the toughest decisions we made,” Martha says. “The wood floor we had didn’t fare well. We looked at bamboo and engineered hardwoods, but figured, let’s do what works for us now, and we were able to put it over the existing hardwood floor. I think it was a good choice and don’t regret it, and we carried it throughout our first floor.”
New waterproof, solid-surface, wood-look luxury plank flooring provides rich contrast to the lighter cabinets and absorbs sound. “That was probably one of the toughest decisions we made,” Martha says. “The wood floor we had didn’t fare well. We looked at bamboo and engineered hardwoods, but figured, let’s do what works for us now, and we were able to put it over the existing hardwood floor. I think it was a good choice and don’t regret it, and we carried it throughout our first floor.”
The sink is a white enamelled cast-iron farmhouse model with a polished chrome tap. “I wasn’t sure if we should go with a stainless-steel sink versus the white cast-iron one, but it creates a seamless look that I absolutely love,” Martha says.
Tempted to rethink your space? Find kitchen designers in your area and read homeowner reviews on Houzz.
Tempted to rethink your space? Find kitchen designers in your area and read homeowner reviews on Houzz.
The new peninsula features a blue-grey cabinet factory finish that offers contrast to the lighter walls and cabinets. Tongue-and-groove panelling on the back and a Shaker-style panel on the end add texture and visual interest.
The 5cm x 20cm marble tile splashback wraps around the kitchen and extends up to the cornice. “I wanted to carry it up the wall and have it be clean and classic, but have some marble variation in there for visual interest,” Jaclyn says. “It’s a small space, so I didn’t want it to be too busy.”
Bespoke white oak shelves offer display space.
The 5cm x 20cm marble tile splashback wraps around the kitchen and extends up to the cornice. “I wanted to carry it up the wall and have it be clean and classic, but have some marble variation in there for visual interest,” Jaclyn says. “It’s a small space, so I didn’t want it to be too busy.”
Bespoke white oak shelves offer display space.
A pair of clear glass pendant lights with brushed nickel fittings hang over the peninsula. Jaclyn also added LED ceiling lights.
Upholstered bar stools feature natural wood legs and a nailhead trim. “I love the natural wood and wanted to repeat it elsewhere,” Jaclyn says.
Upholstered bar stools feature natural wood legs and a nailhead trim. “I love the natural wood and wanted to repeat it elsewhere,” Jaclyn says.
On the kitchen side of the peninsula, two drawers store oven gloves and drying mats, while two cabinets (one large and one smaller) hold glass baking dishes, plastic storage containers, tea towels and cookbooks.
Calacatta Gold-look quartz worktops create an elegant, durable work surface. “Some of the other ones I looked at were too busy, but this one had a nice balance,” Martha says.
The renovation has changed the way the Carlins think and feel about their home. “It’s a space where we can gather and multiple people can cook in there now,” Martha says. “My husband can be cooking and telling me about his day, and we can prepare a meal together.”
Tell us…
What do you think of this refreshed kitchen? Has it given you any ideas for your home? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
The renovation has changed the way the Carlins think and feel about their home. “It’s a space where we can gather and multiple people can cook in there now,” Martha says. “My husband can be cooking and telling me about his day, and we can prepare a meal together.”
Tell us…
What do you think of this refreshed kitchen? Has it given you any ideas for your home? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
Who lives here? Rob and Martha Carlin and one adult son
Location West Islip, New York, USA
Size 11 sq m
Designer Jaclyn Lankiewicz of Jaclyn Marie Interiors
Photos by Jaclyn Lankiewicz
In the previous kitchen, the fridge in the right-hand corner and a breakfast table in the middle of the layout gave the space a cramped, cluttered feel.
Meanwhile, fading white cabinets, dark blue laminate worktops, a beige tile splashback and a wooden floor with the stain wearing off signalled that this was a kitchen in need of an update.
The Carlins also desperately wanted more work surface. “We used to have to use the kitchen table as alternative counter space,” Martha says.