This kitchen renovation by Acclaim Renovations & Design perfectly translated the homeowners’ dream
By Patricia Nugent
That the grand dame of French cooking understood well is that the bedrock of creativity, whether whipping up the perfect beef bourguignon or leek soup, lies in following classic rules, while being open to taking chances.
This recent kitchen renovation by the ingenious minds at Acclaim Renovations & Design is the perfect example of that.
Bring on the Bling
“Lighter, brighter and blingier are the adjectives the homeowner mentioned when we began the design process,” says designer Lisa Eldridge. “This 2,500-square-foot colonial was built in 1998. The kitchen was dark and dated.”
Although backsplashes are usually deemed a supporting character in overall design, in this renovation they take center stage.
“With varying shades of shimmering, iridescent, mermaid-y blue tiles in an arabesque shape, the backsplash is the true focal point of the space,” says Lisa. “To give it dramatic impact, we took the tiles all the way to the ceiling behind the range hood and surrounding the sink. It’s showstopping.”
The Island is the Heart of the Kitchen
To improve flow, they changed the configuration of the island to a rectangular shape instead of curving into the center of the room.
“Another dramatic treatment with the island is taking the LX Hausy Viatera quartz counters down to the floor in a waterfall effect,” she adds. “And opting for darker gray cabinetry, Choice Select-Fremont, opposed to the perimeter cabs in white, heightened the drama.”
Adding storage space while remaining within the same footprint was a design challenge. To make that happen, they chose to bring the Shaker-style cabinets up to the ceiling and add cabinetry over the refrigerator and on the opposite wall from the island.
“We added light with a lit curio cabinet on top, which also gave them a chance to display their fine serving pieces,” says Lisa.
Modern and elegant lighting choices finished the look, including six recessed can lights, two large structural steel drop lights over the island and a matching one over the kitchen sink.
According to Acclaim Vice President Chris Michalakes, this renovation is the second one they’ve done for this family. The original was a new bathroom in their basement to complete the husband’s dream for a man cave.
“This couple loves to cook and to entertain,” he says. “They mentioned they throw Browns parties every Sunday, so this season they’ll be ready to celebrate in style with their fabulous new kitchen.”
Project Coordination Perfected
When it comes to home renovation, planning, coordination, timing and communication are elemental to a job well done.
The designers at Acclaim like to meet face-to-face in their showroom to best understand a client’s lifestyle and goals. Then they usher them through the selection process and bring in the field supervisor for a pre-construction meeting. After that, measurements are taken at the home and the designers create detailed drawings and a rendered floor plan to be viewed on a large-screen monitor in the showroom.
According to Bob Potocar, COO of Acclaim, several years ago they introduced a project management communication portal that clients have really appreciated. It’s called Co-Construct.
“This app invites all the stakeholders—homeowners and our project managers—to document every aspect of the job, including product selections, specifications, change orders, financials and job progress photos,” he explains. “This allows 24/7 access to everyone and ensures effective streamlined communication and the best client experience.”
If back-to-school season is here, that means the holidays aren’t far behind. Give Acclaim a call to realize the kitchen of your dreams by the time your holiday parties arrive.
Acclaim Renovations & Design is located at 8550 East Avenue in Mentor. The design-build firm has won numerous industry awards. Call 440-974-8082 or visit AcclaimReno.com.