Airy Cottage in the Heart of Omaha

The Challenge

The biggest hurdle to realizing the homeowner’s dream kitchen was the limited space.

The cramped entrance to the kitchen, coupled with the desire to preserve the antique wallpaper, made structural changes a delicate balancing act. Removing a wall to open up the space could potentially damage the wallpaper and sacrifice valuable storage.

Additionally, incorporating an island without overwhelming the room or hindering the kitchen’s flow was a significant design challenge.

Finally, selecting appliances that would fit harmoniously within the compact space without compromising functionality was another crucial consideration.

The Vision

They envisioned a brighter, more open kitchen that would be both functional and stylish. A key design element was preserving the sentimental antique wallpaper, which would be incorporated into the new design. The perfect color palette needed to be chosen to achieve the desired aesthetic.

Additionally, the homeowner requested a few practical additions to the kitchen: a designated dog dining station and an island workspace.

The Solution

Since the heart of the design centered around preserving the wallpaper, we captured the exact wallpaper in our design renderings. This allowed us to experiment with different layouts and design elements, to make sure they would all feel cohesive with this core visual element.

By digitally removing the wall between the dining room and kitchen, we could visualize how the spaces would flow and interact. This also enabled us to strategically place appliances, such as a paneled
dishwasher, to minimize visual clutter and create a more cohesive look.

Finally, we explored various island designs to find the perfect balance of elegance, style, and functionality, ultimately selecting an option that complemented the overall aesthetic and provided ample storage and workspace.

The Results

A color palette of blue, gold, greige and white was chosen to highlight the wallpaper and create a cohesive aesthetic. The flow and direction of the space were enhanced through strategic lines, while the shapes of furniture and appliances were selected to complement the room’s proportions. By adding unique design elements, like a furniture-style island and floating shelves, we were able to draw the eye around the room. The stair-stepped size progression of the shelves draws the eye up and further enforces a feeling of spaciousness.