KBB - September 2015 - 35

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lients who have an affinity for the look of natural wood in all forms
wanted a kitchen design that would "wow" them, which is exactly
what designer David Stimmel delivered - something one of a kind.
"The clients' desire was for something of a more 'progressive nature' -
more alive than just the typical dark wood or white-painted kitchens that
flood the Internet, television and shelter magazines," said Stimmel of Stimmel Consulting Group in Ambler, Pa.
The $175,000 remodel eliminated the space's previous 1950s galley
kitchen, spiral staircase and neighboring walls to both the dining and
living rooms. The new design features a two-sided fireplace, five diverse
work zones and multiple appliances for cooking and refrigeration versatility in a large, open space.
"Because the homeowners love to entertain, this space would need
to be able to change from a chic, formal affair, to a fun, family gamenight space - all within a moment's notice," said Stimmel. "Thus, a room
without restrictions."
The designer opted for a large farmhouse table made from an antique
steel-wrapped fire door - which can be moved depending on the evening's activity - in lieu of today's traditional island. He also chose walnut
for the cabinets with live-edge doors for what he refers to as a "living" style
that grows out of the home's interior. Antique reclaimed barn wood is used
on the base cabinetry, and walnut natural-edge slab is staged above to
serve as crown molding.
"There is a cohesiveness here even with all that is going on," said Design Awards judge, Paula Kennedy. "He handles the scale of space well,
and there is a lot of innovation being shown with the use of materials."

The wet bar features a poured concrete top with a
"rock" edge, an oyster shell wall tile, a built-in drain
board and a curved slotted drain sink.

Lighten Up
To brighten up the woodsy space, windows were added behind the
glass cabinet and over the sink, and a larger set of French doors leading
to the home's exterior was incorporated.The beams feature a high-intensity
discharge uplighting system that washes the ceiling, and several ambient
choices are used in other areas. The cabinets are lit from above, as well.
"We set off to create a design full of natural, earthy elements sadly
missing from today's concepts," said Stimmel, "and a design grew out of
that space." ■

Challenges
ö Create a bright, welcoming space with ample
windows - yet something private enough to hide
neighboring homes.
ö Present a space that is flexible with workspaces
for several cooks but leave out the traditional
island, and feature a space with an earthy element
reflected in a one-of-a-kind use of materials

Solutions
ö Stimmel incorporated a two-sided glass wall
cabinet suspended from the ceiling and
hanging in front of the window to obscure the
view of neighbors.
ö He also specified a table-style island constructed
out of an antique, steel factory, fire door that can
be moved if desired.

sources
Design Team: David Stimmel, Stimmel Consulting Group (Designer);
Seven Wonders (Contractor); Walter & Fred Gaunt (Beamwork);
Photographer: Charles Meacham
Bar Top/Mantle: The Concrete Dog Studio; Cabinetry: Custom Design
by Stimmel Consulting Group; Cooktop, Oven & Steam Oven: Wolf;
Countertops: Volga Blue; Faucet: Kohler; Icemaker: Scottsman;
Lighting: Seagull Lighting; Refrigerators: Sub-Zero; Table: Jeff
Soderbergh; Tile: Solitone; Windows: Pella

The barn beams
left and right of the
cooktops allow for
non-traditional forms
of spice storage.
KBB - September 2015

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