Project Spotlight: Contemporary Transformation by Alps Craftsman
Alps Craftsman was commissioned to transform a traditionally styled home into a contemporary masterpiece that aligns with the client’s vision for modern living. The project involved extensive updates to the family room, laundry room, and kitchen. The clients, who recently moved into a home with an open floor plan, sought a cohesive design that would bring together the different spaces seamlessly and functionally.
Project Overview
The clients, experienced homeowners; were transitioning from a much older, more traditional home to a newer one with an open floor plan. The challenge was to create a contemporary look that wasn’t too modern or overly traditional, ensuring a consistent aesthetic throughout the home. A key element in achieving this was the selection of Allure Quartzite, a natural stone featuring a grayish-clear background with dark veining and brown accents. This quartzite was used as a common design thread throughout the three rooms, connecting them together and adding both aesthetic value and functionality. The project’s primary focus was on enhancing storage, improving the flow of the spaces, and adding functionality to rooms that lacked it.
Family Room Transformation
The transformation of the family room was a crucial part of the project, where Alps Craftsman focused on creating a space that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The clients desired a built-in furniture piece that would serve as the centerpiece of the room, providing both storage and display areas for their cherished items. To achieve this, Alps Craftsman designed and installed custom base cabinets topped with a beautiful countertop, complemented by two tall glass-front cabinets with shelves running through the middle. This design allowed the clients to showcase their knick-knacks, picture frames, and other personal items that make a house feel like home.
Understanding the importance of flow in the space, Alps Craftsman carefully considered the layout of the room. They took into account the placement of the existing fireplace, the desired seating arrangement, and the need for a functional walkway. Instead of using the standard 24-inch-deep cabinets, they opted for narrower cabinets to provide a few extra inches of walkway, ensuring the room felt open and accessible. This was particularly important given the clients’ role as hosts for family gatherings and holiday celebrations, where efficient flow and ample space are essential.
In keeping with the contemporary look the clients desired, the entire built-in piece was finished in black, a bold and sophisticated choice that allowed other elements in the room to stand out. Black, often considered an uncommon neutral, provided a striking contrast to the dark walnut-stained hardwood floors and created a cohesive design throughout the space. The strategic use of black not only grounded the design but also added a modern edge to the room, making it both timeless and on-trend.
The result was a family room that not only met the client’s functional needs but also reflected their contemporary style, seamlessly integrating with the rest of the home. This custom-built piece serves as a perfect example of how thoughtful design and attention to detail can transform a space into something truly special.
Laundry Room Redesign
The redesign of the laundry room was another key element of the project, where functionality and style were both prioritized. The clients wanted a space that would not only serve their practical needs but also align with the cohesive design theme carried throughout the home. One of the primary requirements was the addition of a sink, providing a convenient area for washing out items or even giving the dog a bath—something their previous laundry room lacked.
To achieve this, Alps Craftsman incorporated the same quartzite countertop used in other areas of the home, ensuring continuity in the design. The challenge, however, was to create sufficient countertop space for laundry tasks, which the room initially lacked. This was addressed by installing custom cabinets in a neutral color, designed to maximize both storage and workspace.
Understanding the client’s specific needs, Alps Craftsman made a strategic decision to set the upper cabinets higher than the typical 18 inches above the countertop. By raising them to about 24 inches, they provided ample space on the countertop for sorting and folding laundry, while also ensuring that the cabinets were not obstructive during tasks. This thoughtful adjustment made the space more functional without compromising on storage capacity.
To tie the design together, the natural wood cabinets were accented with a black stain along the edges, echoing the design elements used in other rooms. This subtle yet impactful detail ensured that the laundry room maintained the same contemporary aesthetic as the rest of the home. In addition to the cabinetry, new stackable washers and dryers were installed. Unlike older models that were often cramped and inefficient, the new units provided the clients with more space and convenience, allowing them to make the most of their laundry room. The hardware used in the laundry room matched that of the other cabinetry throughout the home, further reinforcing the consistent design language that Alps Craftsman aimed to achieve.
The result was a laundry room that was not only highly functional but also seamlessly integrated into the overall design of the home, providing the clients with a space that met all their needs while maintaining the aesthetic continuity they desired.
Kitchen Renovation
The kitchen renovation was a focal point of the project, given the room’s high ceilings and potential for a bold design statement. The clients wanted a space that was not only functional but also visually striking, with ample storage to accommodate their needs. Alps Craftsman began by expanding the island, incorporating additional storage on both sides—beneath the sink and in front of the seating area—ensuring that every inch of space was utilized efficiently.
A key design decision was the choice of a black island, paired with brownish-gray upper cabinets. This combination created a contemporary look that balanced modern and traditional elements. The cabinets, sourced from Europa, a high-end brand known for its vast array of colors and finishes, were frameless to achieve a sleek, cohesive appearance. The tight spacing between cabinet doors gave the kitchen a refined, high-end feel.
To further enhance the design, Alps Craftsman selected a quartzite called Allure for the countertops. This natural stone features a grayish-clear background with dark veining and brown accents, perfectly tying in with the cabinetry and hardwood floors. The quartzite not only added aesthetic value but also provided the durability and heat resistance the clients needed for their busy kitchen, allowing them to place hot pans directly on the island without worry.
One of the most complex aspects of the kitchen renovation was the selection and placement of the bookmatched slabs for the island and full-height backsplash. The strong diagonal pattern of the stone required careful planning to ensure a harmonious flow throughout the space. Alps Craftsman’s meticulous approach involved laying out each slab at their facility, allowing the clients to visualize how the stone would look in their kitchen. This attention to detail ensured that the final installation was seamless and cohesive, with the direction of the countertops and backsplash perfectly aligned.
The kitchen also featured a striking black hood over the stove, providing a pop of contrast that broke up the wall and added depth to the design. The thoughtful integration of black elements throughout the kitchen, including in the butler’s pantry, tied the entire space together, making it both functional and visually appealing.
Challenges and Solutions
One of the primary challenges was visualizing and coordinating the flow of the natural stone slabs throughout the kitchen. To overcome this, Alps Craftsman invited the clients to their facility, where they laid out each slab to ensure the design met their exact expectations. The team also had to navigate the complexity of blending cabinets from different manufacturers, which was successfully achieved through in-person consultations and the use of detailed manual templates.
Installation Process
Alps Craftsman handled the installation with meticulous attention to detail. The team employed manual templates and in-person meetings to ensure that every element—from the flow of the stone to the integration of different cabinet styles—was perfectly coordinated. The installation of the large kitchen island required extra manpower and careful planning to protect the home’s floors and walls during the process.
Project Management
Alps Craftsman maintained constant communication with the clients and their contracting team, ensuring the project stayed on track and within budget. By setting clear expectations for lead times and coordinating closely with the contractors, they managed to avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smooth renovation process.
Client Feedback
The clients were thrilled with the final result, particularly the black hood over the stove, which provided a striking pop of color that tied the entire kitchen together. The cohesive design, enhanced functionality, and thoughtful integration of contemporary elements have made the updated spaces not only beautiful but also perfectly suited to the client’s lifestyle.
Start Planning Your Dream Project Today!
In conclusion, this project by Alps Craftsman showcases their expertise in blending contemporary design with functional elegance, resulting in a home that perfectly reflects the client’s vision and needs. By focusing on cohesive design elements and meticulous craftsmanship, they were able to transform the space into a modern yet timeless environment that the clients will enjoy for years to come. If you’re looking to elevate your home with a custom renovation that marries style with functionality, contact Alps Craftsman today to start planning your dream project.
