Eco-Friendly Bungalow Renovation
Published by Beck/Allen Cabinetry
Posted on January 3, 2020
One homeowner’s relocation from the West Coast led to a University City bungalow renovation with a cozy California vibe. With eco-friendly objectives and a colorful work of original art by her aunt as inspiration, she enlisted the help of St. Louis interior designer Kim Taylor West of K Taylor Design Group. As renovations often do, it evolved and grew in its scope. What began as a bathroom update and kitchen refresh resulted in the redesign of nearly every room in the house.
California Cool
Her style was “California cool” in every sense. Color played a major role in design decisions as did an underlying objective of environmental consciousness. Artwork served as the springboard for the home’s energetic palette, inspiring the use of turquoise, blues, oranges, yellows and reds.
The homeowner sought out a cabinet line that met her eco-conscious objectives. Equally impressed with both their business practices and products, she selected Crystal Cabinetry. Their commitment to not only being green but being the leader in sound environmental practices made her decision to choose Crystal a simple one.
The Leader in Green
Crystal prides themselves in their efforts to improve not only their own environmental footprint and increase energy efficiency, but they also assisted in the development of the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association’s Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP). They hold the FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) chain of custody certification, now selling only FSC-certified maple and cherry in their premium custom series.
Whether it be your wish for a healthier environment or a reduced environmental impact, Crystal offers extensive information regarding their efforts, far more than we can begin to touch on here. Visit their page on Environmental Stewardship to learn more.
Maximizing Space in a Small Kitchen
A close second to environmental considerations, the efficiency of space was a major factor when specifying the cabinet construction and layout in this bungalow renovation. Among the most obvious choices, cabinets were designed to reach the ceiling and an angled corner cabinet takes advantage of every inch while providing additional counter space. And the choice of frameless cabinets (the Encore collection from Crystal) adds valuable space to every door and drawer throughout.
Birds-Eye View of the Kitchen Layout
Success also came in the form of small details, often not seen at first glance. For example, a base cabinet to the left of the sink contains a series of pullout rods designed for drying damp dishcloths and wall cabinets conceal a charging station. In the end, the renovated kitchen provided even more cabinet storage than the homeowner could have imagined.
What this kitchen lacked in square footage would be made up for in quality, character and color. The doors, Shaker-inspired and simplistic by design, come alive with Benjamin Moore’s Bedford Blue in a matte finish.
And while we had no involvement in its construction, it was too delightful not to share the adjoining sunporch-turned cupboard and baking station where the homeowner hones her skill as a sourdough bread artisan in her free time.
After working with K Taylor Design Group, the homeowner’s spirit is felt in every room in the house. The home now serves as a personal reflection of her aesthetic and interests—the mark of a truly successful design.
Interior photography by Nicole Miget.
DESIGN DETAILS
A bungalow renovation offers a lesson in maximizing space in a small kitchen
Interior Design
K Taylor Design Group
Cabinetry
Crystal Cabinet Works, Encore Frameless Full-Overlay Cabinets, Regent doorstyle with a custom painted finish, Benjamin Moore’s Bedford Blue
Countertops
Walnut
Appliances
AUTCOhome
Plumbing Fixtures
Immerse
Lighting
Wilson Lighting