|
After photos by Gail Owens Photography Jeff Jertberg, co-owner of VanBerg Construction and his wife were unhappy with many things in their kitchen: the crumbling grout in the tile-on-Formica countertops made cleaning impossible, and the wood-on-wood glides sawed each other and left sawdust in the cabinets and drawers. Having only one light near the sink added to the cleaning woes.
There was nothing in the space worth salvaging from the homeowners' vantage point. Jertberg was anxious to get remodeling ideas for the kitchen layout from his designer, who did not live in the space everyday and could see it with fresh eyes. The team decided to gut the space and start from scratch.
More cabinets and drawers combined with a credenza anchored by two pantries add storage. The new kitchen also boasts top-end appliances, textured black granite countertops and zoned lighting programmed for both tasks and moods. Jertberg is most pleased with the balance between technically superior appliances and earth-friendly choices that complement the home's style.
"My cabinets are quarter-sawn white oak that are true to the craftsman roots, but the drawer glides are high-tech and soft close. The flooring is linoleum, made from linseed oil that is true to the era of the home, feels better on the feet and is a green choice, but the dishwasher is whisper-quiet," he notes. Jertberg completed his approximately 215-square-foot kitchen in six months."My home is in an older neighborhood that is filled with craftsman homes, and that is one of the things I love about my neighborhood. I always consider how well what I am doing fits the spirit of the era of the home," Jertberg says. "I am not, however, a slave to historical accuracy, and it was important that with something like the countertops, for example, that I had elements that were interesting and different.
"My intention with the aesthetic was to use woods and stay true to the craftsmanship and to echo the area without being slave to historic preservation."
REMODELER AND ARCHITECT: VanBerg Construction, San Diego
PROJECT LOCATION: San Diego
AGE OF HOME: 84 years
SCOPE OF WORK: Revamping outdated appliances and ill-conceived material choices and applications to create a modern and attractive space.
Products List
Appliances: Bosch, Best by Broan, KitchenAid, Wolf Faucets: Grohe Flooring: Marmoleum Lighting Fixtures: Halo Insulation: Owens Corning Paints & Stains: Dunn-Edwards Sinks: Franke Windows: Marvin
The hood fan was a must-have addition to the space, but Jertberg was concerned that the blower's size would take up too much space, and he didn't want noise to interfere with kitchen conversation. The solution: separate the motor from the hood and place it on the roof directly above. "I am fairly certain if the original builder of my home could have installed a 1500 CFM Hood with a remote blower and halogen lights above his range, he would," Jertberg says. "We can cook fish or anything and not worry about the home smelling like the main meal for several days."