Holly Avenue Kitchen

Kitchen, Mudroom, Home Office

Built in 1885, this historic home in St. Paul’s Crocus Hill neighborhood had been separated into multiple apartments. The previous owners converted it back into a single family home, but used inexpensive mixed materials, dark tones, and put little thought into the functionality of the kitchen.

A single countertop ran along the exterior wall of the kitchen, with the sink, range and refrigerator lined up in a tidy row. A narrow pantry with open shelving offered little storage, and laundry facilities in the back entry had no counter space. With no door to the back yard or garage and limited storage, this family of four (plus their dog) needed an upgrade.

Expanding the kitchen into the side porch, we added an island with a sink and seating, improving the function of the galley kitchen. White granite countertops brighten the space and add unique character. We refurbished the existing range hood and used two paint colors for cabinetry, adding interest and character. With modern conveniences and smart design for 2016 family living, the new shaker style kitchen now fits the character of the 1885 home.

Just off the kitchen we created a laundry room with a wall of enclosed storage cabinets and a mudroom with a door and porch to the backyard. The additional space is used as a mini family room to watch TV and hang out together while cooking.

Behind a sliding barn door, a chalk board holds family notes and a built-in window bench offers cozy comfortable seating.

Albers Design constructed this project using our proprietary CMA Advantage™ construction deliver method.

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All 5 /Bath 4 /Bedroom 2 /Condo 1 /Dining Room 1 /Kitchen 2 /Laundry 1 /Master Bathroom 1

Macalaster Groveland Kitchen

Kitchen, Dining Room, Mudroom

This 1915 arts and craft styled home in the heart of the Mac-Groveland neighborhood of St. Paul was in need of updating to support contemporary living. The owners wanted to modernize this traditional four-square but still maintain its historical character.

Modifications included a complete gut and reconfiguration of the original and very small kitchen, opening the kitchen to the dining room and a new mudroom at the side yard door; the client’s primary entrance. An 8 foot’ addition was added for a mudroom and the kitchen was enlarged 4 feet.

The wall between the dining room and the kitchen was removed and replaced with peninsula in the style of the original dining room woodwork. This joined the kitchen and dining room visually while adding additional counter top and base cabinet space. An exterior door and window between the kitchen and the existing screened porch were relocated to provide more countertop work surface in the kitchen. Inset cabinets, the original cabinet style, were used for the new cabinetry and a custom oak breakfast table was designed to reflect the character of the original woodwork. Countertops are soapstone and stainless steel.

A custom tile backsplash in the owner’s favorite colors became the primary accent of the kitchen with the field color in “butter yellow” (which she loves). Additional pops of color in persimmon, green and blue in a carefully planned pattern reminiscent of the arts and crafts style. There were 4 different tiles sizes used and each tile was individually placed.
The mudroom was finished in low maintenance black slate tile floor and persimmon painted built-in coat cubbies suitable for a family of four.

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All 5 /Bath 4 /Bedroom 2 /Condo 1 /Dining Room 1 /Kitchen 2 /Laundry 1 /Master Bathroom 1