It is no news that we believe the kitchen is the “hub” of the home. For many busy families that translates to the “hub” of all clutter! Bookbags, luchboxes, mail, schoolwork, the dog leash, the sports equipment… you see where we are headed with this. This Moline family of 5 (plus pets) was ready for a kitchen remodel. When their designer asked what they really wanted to see with a new layout, their response was this: some way to keep the kitchen table clear. Before we share that solution, let’s start the tour with the familiar kitchen areas. This L-shape sink section includes a very common and functional layout. A range and microwave hood on one end, turn the corner with a base lazy susan cabinet to a sink beneath a window and dishwasher beside it.
The original kitchen layout included a peninsula on this wall extending into the kitchen. The new layout opens up the space by eliminating that peninsula and making room for a large kitchen table. Koch cabinetry in the Seneca doorstyle is installed in a Birch wood and “Mocha” stain. Glass 3″ x 6″ subway-style tiles have been installed in a herringbone design for the kitchen backsplash.
The tile is from our American Olean line in the Color Appeal series and “Plaza Taupe” color. No backsplash was installed with these tops so the glass tile backsplash had more room for a statement with the pattern.The refrigerator wall now includes so much amazing storage!
A tall pantry cabinet fit with sliding shelves and a refrigerator end panel surround the refrigerator for a great look. The section of cabinetry on this same wall creates a great work surface that also serves as a coffee station. The wall cabinetry above is staggered in height and depth to add interest to this wall. Soffits have been removed from this kitchen so that the new cabinetry can reach to the ceiling. To compliment the deeper center cabinet above, the large stack of drawers in the base cabinetry is pulled forward. 
This gives the opportunity to add interest and a furniture-style look with an arched toespace on the drawer cabinet. The Quartz kitchen counters mimic the creative shape of these cabinets and follow the in-out-in detail with soft radius corners on this bump-out area.
Hanstone Quartz countertops in the Victorian Sands color are a stunning choice for this Moline, IL home. Victorian Sands is a wonderful blend of neutral colors. It is one of those successful colors over the years in that it works with so many wood tones and pairs with just about any tile or paint selections. A standard “Eased” edge profile is a classic choice. But what about that whole new area designed to somehow solve the clutter table issue? With the mission to control family clutter in mind, our designer went to work to create a new kitchen layout including a whole new third section of cabinetry across from the original kitchen.
What an amazing brand new custom drop-zone area fit with a bench seat and coathooks! A place for everything and everything in its place…and guess what?! The kitchen table (and even the kitchen countertops) are now all clear! By creating this designated “drop zone” area on the back wall of the kitchen, there is no excuse for anything to end up on the table at all. A bench seat built from functioning drawers is capped with a matching wood top. This offers a stylish surface for seating. Designing the drop zone into 4 sections helps to contain the clutter to each child’s area. Drop zones like this work best when located near the main entrance home for the users (i.e. back garage door entry).
This busy family is so happy with their new kitchen. We love any opportunity we can get to help improve any living space to become more function and beautiful! To see the full album of photos from this kitchen visit our award-winning Houzz page here. Are you curious what an expert kitchen designer might have to suggest for your own busy space? We are ready to hear about your space! Contact our store to start the conversation about working with our store. You can reach us at (309) 944-1344 or by completing this form online.
