Our first challenge for this project was the location— it is 4.5 hours away from our design studio and subcontractors, which required craftsmen to travel and stay onsite in order to build the project. Another challenge is that it’s a beautiful, very unique architect-designed home from the 1980s. It utilizes simple construction methods, which made its roof lines and ceilings distinctive but also very difficult to run electrical and very difficult to light. We had to find creative paths to get wiring across exposed structural beams and wood ceiling cladding, then over to key points where architectural track lighting could be installed. The kitchen had always been a very dark space, which was one of our clients’ biggest complaints.
Another beautiful but challenging feature are the windows, which line the entire east and south-facing walls. It’s a great connection to the outdoors, but that makes it difficult to place tall appliances and ventilation. It also eliminated the possibility for upper cabinets along the main length of the room. Our clients love to cook for their large family, so the kitchen had to accommodate numerous professional-grade appliances as well as well-organized storage for cooking and entertaining.
The clients’ main priority was making the kitchen a social experience. They wanted to be able to cook, entertain, and interact with family and friends all while enjoying a view of the lake. The old kitchen, though dark and dated, was loved in spite of its flaws because it was the social heart of the home. This new kitchen corrects those flaws and looks forward to many more decades of multi-generational memories.
More photos available here: https://amycarman.com/portfolio/lake-island-retreat/
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This architect-designed lake cabin in Northern Wisconsin was the central location for decades of family memories. The clients asked us to remodel the kitchen in a way that preserves the distinct architectural character of the home while accomplishing the main purpose of the space-- making memories with family and friends while connecting with the beauty of the lake setting. Photo credit: Elisabeth Witt
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The materials for this project were chosen carefully, because it's already a very wood-heavy home. Colors and finishes need to hold their own against the prominent beams and cladding, and the colors had to work well with all of the natural woodwork and wooded setting. The greys of the cabinets, stone, and tile are neutral, but have warmth and body. Photo credit: Elisabeth Witt
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The original home was built using simple construction methods, which made its roof lines and ceilings distinctive but also difficult to light. The original kitchen had been a very dark space, which was one of our clients' biggest complaints. We had to find creative paths to get wiring across exposed structural beams to key points where architectural track lighting could be installed. The end result is a bright, beautifully-lit space that highlights and embraces the home's unique architecture. Photo credit: Amy Carman
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The bar cabinet was added to the design based on how much our clients love to entertain friends. We wanted the cabinet to be an elegant reveal, so it lights as you open it and, instead of seeing a standard birch interior, it has a rich walnut interior. It's still cabinetry, but it feels more furniture-like. The light and colors create a jewel-box interior. Photo credit: Elisabeth Witt
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The old kitchen, though dark and dated, was loved in spite of its flaws because it was the social heart of the home. The new kitchen corrects those flaws and looks forward to many more decades of memories. Photo credit: Amy Carman
