2010 Winner in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette "Renovation Inspiration Contest," Large Category, more than $50,000
We are proud to announce our 13th award for home remodeling work in Pittsburgh
The Billy family bought their historic Squirrel Hill home because they loved its historic Arts and Crafts style. But a 1970's remodel of the kitchen was long outdated, didn't work with the historic aesthetic and wasn't serving the lifestyle of the young family. A collection of 1930's photos that Mrs. Billy discovered inspired them to recapture the kitchen's historic elegance and craftmanship with a modern tone. We are proud to add this Pittsburgh kitchen remodeling project to our portfolio, including the energy efficiency and green features. (Before photo far right)
EFFICIENCY & AESTHETICS
Mr. Billy, a retired nuclear submarine commander, wanted efficiency in their renewed kitchen; Mrs. Billy, an artist, wanted that too, but also beautiful aesthetics.
Opening a wall to a former laundry room created a cozy breakfast area off the kitchen. In addition a portion of the adjacent hallway was narrowed slightly to create space in the kitchen for a separate coffee bar—with additional cabinetry above and below and next to the refrigerator.
The look is Arts & Craft period with high-tech features, including the stunning 6-burner Bertazzoni stove with matching range hood. Shimmering green Solistone subway and hand-painted accent tiles, honed granite counter tops, quarter-sawn oak cabinets, and cup drawer pulls also add to the period feel. Patterned cork floors fit the historic motif and also provide a soft, warm walking surface.
COOKS DREAM
The new kitchen design features enhanced workspace for the cook, including a farmhouse sink relocated to a neighborhood view from a Marvin energy efficient window and a furniture-like center island for additional preparation space—with a microwave-convection oven built into it. Placing the refrigerator and coffee station on a separate wall left room for significantly more counter space and cabinetry in the main workspace.
FINE CRAFTSMANSHIP
The color and materials palate expanded from 1970s monochromatic to warm rich tones with a strong green accent and two-tone walls—with stencils added by artist Mrs. Billy.
A wide variety of fine materials, carefully crafted and installed by Master Remodelers' craftsmen, give the kitchen a luxurious feel of an updated Arts and Crafts style. This is most obvious around the kitchen sink where several surface materials come together in perfect harmony and fit.
GREEN FEATURES
This remodeling award winner also includes several “lite green” and home energy efficiency features. In the new breakfast area additional wall thickness and insulation eliminated drafts and uneven temperatures. Extra floor insulation under the renewable cork flooring now keeps out the cold from the garage below.
Under-counter LED lights, part of a sophisticated lighting system, efficiently illuminate counter surfaces. New energy efficient windows keep the space cozy and draft free year round. Low VOC paints were used throughout and the old cabinets and appliances were recycled through Construction Junction.
Read the feature story in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Home and Garden section.
And read the story about last year's double award winner: a church renovation into a home)
