A Kitchen of One's Own
She says her 1984 home was in need of a remodel. In the update, she hoped to blend the elements of a traditional southwestern home with amenities for modern living. In many Santa Fe homes, kitchen space is at a premium, and O’Carroll’s kitchen was no different.
Her updates in that space focused on making the most of it, including the addition of a pull-out pantry and sliding bifold panels that provide open storage for dishes and other kitchen items.
To make the small space feel larger, she expanded the window above the sink. Although she had hoped to remove a wall between the kitchen and the dining room, once the remodel began and walls were opened, builders discovered that removing the wall would involve relocating too much electrical wiring.
So O’Carroll opted instead to make the opening larger. She chose a top-of-the-line Miele stainless steel appliance package that contributed to her vision for a light, bright space. She kept the original brick floors but added white tile and soapstone counters with flecks of aqua, a color she pulled into the cabinets.
In the powder room, another dark, small space, she brightened up the flooring and removed the shower curb to create a seamless flow.
She, like many homeowners, encountered cost creep. “The budget was about 40 percent higher than I’d expected. But I didn’t spare any expense. I knew I was only going to do this one time, so I really went for it.”
The expense was worth it, she says. “It was so satisfying. I’m delighted every day that I walk into my kitchen. I’m so fortunate to own this home and live in it,” she says.
After Photos by: Casey Davis (360pindrop.com)
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