by Lorrie Bryan

The sink is just too far from the stove, the trash can is out-of-reach, the vent doesn’t really vent, stuff gets lost for months in the pantry, the white templar cabinets are deteriorating, the wall board between the upper and lower cabinets needs fresh paint frequently, the white sink isn’t large enough, the side-by-side refrigerator won’t hold platters, the white laminate countertops need constant cleaning, drawer space is a premium and you can only entertain eight to ten of your friends at a time.

Sound familiar? Perhaps it’s time for a kitchen makeover. A quality, professional contractor can help you create an attractive custom kitchen that functions more efficiently and is a source of joy rather than frustration. Your kitchen can become a stream-lined beautiful room where you enjoy preparing quiet meals for family or gathering your friends for a lively soirée.

After several years of tolerating the problems referenced above, homeowner Sharon Werr decided to hire a contractor to create her dream kitchen. The results: “It’s beautiful. I have furniture-finish wood European cabinets, gorgeous granite counter tops  and matching backsplash that continue the rich Euro look.” And beyond the aesthetic changes, lie some functional upgrades that Werr says make cooking a pleasure:

The professional gas cook top can brown anything beautifully and never lose heat when adding additional ingredients to sauté.

The exterior roof vent draws out the heat as well as the greasy fumes and steam, keeping the kitchen area cleaner and fresher.

The warming drawer allows you to prepare everything ahead of time and plate on warm plates. “This should be a standard in all kitchens,” Werr adds. “You can serve everything at the perfect temperature without the kitchen being hot.”

The new refrigerator has the fridge on top and the freezer drawer below. Everything is more visible and convenient and the shelves are wide and deep enough to hold serving trays. Additionally, a bell rings when you leave the door ajar.

Two stainless sinks, one a convenient, small, round prep sink and the other a large deep sink, make it easier to accommodate an additional cook in the kitchen. Both are equipped with quiet garbage disposals, drop-down spraying faucets and soap dispensers. “The large sink has a ledge about halfway down that holds a stainless metal rack in place. Fantastic!”

Dual ovens, one large with convection and radiant heat modes and a microwave that can bake, broil or roast, can make cooking small or large meals more efficient.

The pantry walls and doors were removed and the space is now equipped with full-extension, pull-out drawers. “Nothing can hide in there—everything is in full view and is easily accessed,” Werr adds. The custom cabinetry is one of her favorite features. She even has drawers under her sink and cook top. “You know that lost space under the cook top that usually has a blank flat panel? I have a drawer that was tailored to fit—a wide shallow drawer—that is perfect for pot holders and cooking utensils.”

Werr says that one of the most difficult aspects of the remodeling project was getting started—finding a quality professional contractor that she could trust and work with. “That took a lot of time and effort. It’s good to know that there is a program out there now—Remodeling Done Right—that prescreens contractors for you so that you know you are working with a high-quality professional.”

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Photography is by Jack Tuszynski.