Orleans Kitchen Renovation
Layout design and 3D modeling for small kitchen in rental property in New Orleans
Client
Our client was looking for a way to increase the property value on her two-family rental property. Having previously lived in one of the parallel units, she knew first-hand how dysfunctional the kitchen was. The space felt cramped, but there also was awkward, unusable space between bulky appliances. It was hard to work in and there was hardly any storage for food, let alone kitchenware and appliances. When frustrations arose dealing with increasing repairs and tenant complaints, she knew it was time to address all the issues at once.
Expertise
Space Planning, Appliance Research, Graphic Design
Tools
Sketchup Pro
The Challenge
We knew immediately that this wasn’t going to be a gut renovation, and we would have to make do with the existing footprint. However, at under 20 square feet, each of the 4 walls had an existing feature that posed a challenge: a low window, a closed up brick fireplace and 2 passages that led in from the dining room and out to the back courtyard with a door opening into the space. We needed to find a way to increase counter and storage space that honored the established structure and find new appliances that fit the space better without going over budget.
The Process
Taking what we learned in the Discovery Phase, we brainstormed nearly 30 configurations for the space, then drew them in our 3D modeling software. We grouped the concepts, then weighed their pros and cons based on the client’s needs, then presented her with the best 3 options. We marked the possibilities in the space, so could walk through it and experience it in real life, but the 3D models helped the client see multiple to-scale options side by side.
The Solution
The client opted for the version that consisted of “peninsula”, filling the kitchen with workspace rather than relegating everything to the walls. This gave her ample room to work in, but also created a small sitting area as well — something she hadn’t thought possible. Shallow floor to ceiling cabinets on the window wall allowed for maximum storage. A counter depth fridge was placed on the wall opposite the entry wall. This made it so that the sight line upon walking in was open, which created the illusion of more space. In the end, the client walked away with contractor-ready files with multiple views and detailed measurements and the peace of mind knowing that so many options had been deeply considered before arriving at the solution for her.