Case Study: Clearwater Kitchen Remodel

“People to this day come over, look at our kitchen and want one just like it.”
− Jim Taddeo, Clearwater

Background

Built in 1986, the Taddeo’s Clearwater home had the original kitchen − faux wood laminate floors, lots of Formica cabinets circling the wall, and a free-standing table and chairs seating five. Large as it was − occupying 800 sq. ft. − the kitchen was out of date, closed in and isolated within their 3,400-sq.ft.home.

The floor plan lacked efficiency. Confined by the location stove, refrigerator and hanging cabinets that obstructed access to the family room, it left family members jockeying for position during meal preparation.

Problem to Solve

Married for 30 years, Jim and Mary Taddeo love to cook, entertain and enjoy “kitchen time” with their three children and their friends. They had plenty of space to create their dream kitchen, but had trouble visualizing the possibilities.

Criteria

Their remodeler had to be: 1) capable of tackling a large project, 2) able to minimize the number of days the kitchen was out of commission; and, 3) possess a certain intangible quality they define as confidence. “Our last project − a bathroom – took three months to complete. We did not want to go through that again,” said Jim.

After disappointing interviews with numerous remodelers, they met Carl Kuttler. Recommended by a friend of a friend, “Carl arrived with computer in hand and great ideas,” Jim said. “Everyone else looked at the kitchen and said ‘we’ll get back with you,’ ” said Mary. “Carl practically designed and laid out the kitchen before he left.”

Design

Recognizing their desire for a kitchen where meal preparation is part of socializing, Carl created a large “working” and open peninsula with a built-in stove top, suspended exhaust hood, two sinks, dishwasher and lower cabinets. The design gives family and guests a place sit, converse and be part of the kitchen scene, while opening access to the family room.

Peninsula vs. Island

While the Taddeos envisioned an island in the middle of the kitchen, Carl’s idea of the peninsula took the concept to another dimension. “He showed us how bending the kitchen around in a circular fashion would make it easy to cook and extend the work space,” said Jim. By adding a one-foot extension to the granite top, the peninsula accommodates bar stool seating for six, eliminating the need for the bulky, space-stealing dining table in their previous kitchen.

Open Floor Plan

By removing the hanging cabinets and partial wall that separated the kitchen, hallway and the family room, the kitchen is now virtually part of the family area, eliminating the feeling of isolation. “It’s something we would never have considered on our own,” said Taddeo. “Carl came up with the idea, and it made so much sense.”

What's Old, What's New

What’s gone: the tired almond-colored laminate cabinets and faux wood laminate floor, wall and hanging cabinets that separated the kitchen from the family room.
What’s in: a new ceramic tile floor; solid oak cabinets creatively sized for maximum storage; cabinet molding; granite counter and back splash; built-in appliances, including a side-by-side stainless steel refrigerator, double oven with microwave and warming drawer, two sinks and garbage disposals; new wiring; recessed lighting, a bar area; and, most importantly, a granite top peninsula with seating enhanced by contemporary pendant lighting fixtures.

Project Completion

Within six weeks, the Taddeos were in their new kitchen. More importantly, they felt part of the transformation. Mary accompanied Carl to select the kitchen fixtures, a hands-on experience that saved her the hassle of search-shopping. “Carl knows a lot of people,” said Jim. “It made the process go so smoothly.”

Budget

“We spent more than we planned, but would not have done it any differently,” said Jim, who opted for top-of-the-line appliances.

Conclusion

The Taddeos recommend Kuttler Kitchen whenever they can. “People to this day come over, look at our kitchen and want one just like it," said Jim. "Carl is remodeling a kitchen for friends of ours.”