GRAND CENTRAL STATION
In the 1960s, when this kitchen was previously redone, the space was cramped and a window looked directly into a neighbor's home. That meant little privacy for this Millburn family. The drop ceiling hid water damage and the old linoleum floor was peeling. "Before we even owned the house, we knew we were renovating the kitchen," says the homeowners.
They wanted more space, more efficiency and an overall update. They hired Jeff Kennedy, kitchen designer, and Tom McCloskey, owner of Sawhorse Designs in Millburn. McCloskey immediately pointed out the poor traffic flow and the unused space in the kitchen. He stole four feet of space from the dining room and added a 14-foot stretch of cabinetry.
Display objects that were rarely used were placed in new glass door cabinets and items that were used often were placed in new cabinets below.
"Everything in that kitchen is easy to reach," says McCloskey.
The sink was placed on the island, so the couple could prep while entertaining guests. Also, the family could spend more time together. The children can sit around the island while the parents are preparing a meal. "I can also oversee the kids watching television in the family room when I'm in the kitchen," says the homeowner.
The dining room is now part of the kitchen and that pleases the cook. She says, "We now use our dining room every night for dinner, instead of having a whole room for just two holiday meals a year.
A desk with a computer was also included into the design, as was lots of storage space. The pantry has two large bins for recycling and five apothecary drawers for odds and ends. Everything is in reach and in its proper place.
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