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Chef's Cramped Kitchen Receives Contemporary Update

September 27, 2016

From: Nar Designn Group

A professional chef needed a personal kitchen that was fully functional and reflected her unique style. To give her the best of both, the design team at Nar Fine Carpentry overhauled her outdated space, replacing heavy cabinetry with fresh, contemporary finishes. A collection of Alabrije statues from Oaxaca, Mexico add color and significance to the setting.

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Awkward Kitchen and Dining Room Blend: Before

From: Nar Bustamante

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Kitchen and Dining Room Clash

Before the renovation, the kitchen and dining room looked haphazardly thrown together, with a glass bookshelf awkwardly separating the two cramped spaces. Even the floors clashed, with patterned tile in one area and linoleum in the next.

From: Nar Bustamante

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Cramped and Outdated Space

Although lacking a traditional stove and counter space, this small kitchen still feels cramped and confining thanks to large cabinetry overhead. Faded yellow walls and damaged wallpaper give the room an outdated look that's not ideal for daily activity, let alone a professional chef.

From: Nar Bustamante

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Disconnect Between Style, Appliances

With cabinetry overhead and below, this kitchen definitely isn't short on storage. Still, large appliances overwhelm the space, making the traditional room feel even more chaotic and unbalanced.

Chef's Paradise with Plenty of Counter Space and Appliances

Photo: Fred Donham of PhotographerLink. From: Nar Bustamante

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Clean and Contemporary Kitchen

Once a tight and disorderly space, the kitchen now feels open and utterly organized. Sleek appliances like a new stove and standard oven offer ample cooking options, while a gray and white palette makes the room feel bright and serene. A herringbone-patterned floor adds extra energy to the setting.

Neutral Background Makes Bright Statues Pop

Photo: Fred Donham of PhotographerLink. From: Nar Bustamante

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Marble Countertops, Backsplash

A large island topped with marble becomes a beautiful point of interest in this chef's new kitchen. Patterned backsplash adds movement to the space without being too overwhelming, while its neutral hues allow the colorful Alabrije statues from Oaxaca, Mexico to really stand out.

Artistic, Edgy Style from Modern and Stylish Materials

Photo: Fred Donham of PhotographerLink. From: Nar Bustamante

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Recessed Lighting and Modern Chandelier

To keep the kitchen bright and airy for their client, the designers replaced the outdated light fixtures with recessed lights and a modern chandelier. These features not only illuminate the room, but also add visual interest to the space.

Prep Space and Seating for Four in Large Kitchen Island

Photo: Fred Donham of PhotographerLink. From: Nar Bustamante

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Large Island With Built-In Bar

Given their client's career as a professional chef, the designers knew she needed plenty of space for meal prep and entertaining. Thus, they introduced a large kitchen island that--when paired with three stools--doubles as a built-in breakfast bar for guests.

Nar Bustamante

Chef's Cramped Kitchen Receives Contemporary Update

Kitchen and Dining Room Clash

Cramped and Outdated Space

Disconnect Between Style, Appliances

Clean and Contemporary Kitchen

Marble Countertops, Backsplash

Recessed Lighting and Modern Chandelier

Large Island With Built-In Bar

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