My newest project is a bit surprising due to the fact that after spending about an hour with my client, Max, who is bachelor in his 30’s, it became quite apparent that the real reason for the kitchen remodel; his dog, a beautiful 1 year old german shepard named Ava.

       Max explained that the only meals prepared in the kitchen are for Ava and that the space is very restrictive and functionally inept.  Not to mention the old and outdated style. Frustrated with the inability of expanding the kitchen due to the constrictions of the home, Max needed someone with solutions. He was currently preparing food in a very small space to the left of his sink chopping up turkey bones and such, then spreading it out to the island (which was also quite small). He then washed up at the sink and was forced to drip to the garbage can for cleaning up.  

       The blender was being utilized for filling up the dogs water bowl. He demonstrated this for me and showed that as it sits on the counter, it isn’t easy to lift it off it’s base, as it just hits the upper cabinet.

       In interior design, the number one rule is “form follows function”. I had to create a new kitchen using basically the same footprint that functions in the way Max intends to use it.

#1 Problem: Not enough work surface –  To enlarge the working surface, I suggested a cutting board that fits over the kitchen sink.  The small area to the left of the sink is then doubled in size, and he can use the sink area as well.

#2 Problem: Functionality–  I designed a kitchen that allowed Max to prepare Ava’s meals while having all of his tools for preparation, garbage, and cleanup, all within a 3 feet turning circle from the sink. I did this by designing 3 large but shallow drawers above counter where he can store his knives, a cutting board for easy accessibility, and placed a built-in garbage can below the drawers.

#3 Problem: Using the blender with ease–  Many of the upper cabinets had very little inventory in them, which created barrier for Max. Eliminating the upper cabinets and replacing them with shelving opened up a space that the blender could sit and function with ease.