Before
The client purchased this South Lyon, MI home with the aim of downsizing from a much larger house without sacrificing comfort and luxury. The outdated kitchen in the home had an awkward layout, with tight pinch points and windows in odd places. There was simply no room for an island in the kitchen as it was, and this was one of the features of their previous larger home that the clients were unwilling to live without. Designer Nicholas Vanderhovel was engaged to create a more optimized space in the allotted square footage.







After
COVID proved an immediate challenge to the project. Since contractors were not allowed to be on site, the client – who luckily was knowledgeable in remodeling and construction – ended up having to perform a good deal of the labor himself with the remote aid of the designer and contractors. This enabled the project to remain more or less on schedule until the contractors were allowed on site again.
By relocating a load-bearing wall in an adjacent coat closet, the designer and contractors found space for a table island. Thoughtful storage solutions in the cabinetry and island maximize the space, while floating shelves add both storage and symmetry when juxtaposed with the challenging window placement. Vadara quartz countertops, a Blanco sink and custom cabinetry provide the elevated look the client craved.