Country Kitchen Makeover

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  Located in upstate New York, this weekend home was a welcome retreat for its New York City--based owners, despite the far-from-inviting kitchen. The homeowners were willing to give us full rein in the redesign, with just a couple of caveats. One, the chosen materials must be easy to maintain, as it's a weekend house, and two, the overall look should stay true to the home's country roots. Partnering with The Home Depot and you, our readers, Country Living undertook this project with a real sense of excitement. Three prospective floor plans were developed by the store's in-house designer and put to a vote on our website. We also asked you to choose the room's flooring, cabinets, countertops, and appliances from a selection of The Home Depot's products. Nearly 10,000 votes were cast, and the stunning results prove what we've known all along: Our readers have great taste.
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Country Kitchen Makeover: Photo Gallery

  Charles Schiller

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  Goal: Outdated To Outstanding
  On the surface, the dark, old-fashioned kitchen needed an update. But of deeper concern was the poor layout. Cabinets and appliances lined the walls, leaving an unused area at the center, and the pellet stove occupied more potential storage space. To maximize efficiency, the stove was replaced with an L-shaped counter that houses the range, sink, and dishwasher and doubles as a breakfast bar.
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Country Kitchen Makeover: Photo Gallery

  courtesy homeowner

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  The inefficient layout posed a challenge. The refrigerator needed to be moved to create the "work triangle." Removing a bank of cabinets that separated the kitchen from the dining room resulted in a more open plan. Cabinets would be added on either side for storage and symmetry.
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Country Kitchen Makeover: Photo Gallery

  courtesy homeowner

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  Flooring
  The wide-plank style and realistic pattern of DuPont's Real Touch Elite Antique Oak laminate flooring give it the look of hardwood, without the hard work.
  
  Lighting
  Sleek pendant lights from Hampton Bay add extra illumination to meal prep--and coordinate with the cabinet hardware, faucet, and various appliances.
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Country Kitchen Makeover: Photo Gallery

  Charles Schiller

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  Sink
  Kohler's Dickinson sink lends farmhouse style to the room. Made of durable enamel-coated cast iron, it's easy to clean and resists staining and chipping.
  
  Cabinetry
  Ashton Maple beadboard cabinets from Thomasville Cabinetry suit the country feel of the room, while the Pearl painted finish brightens the look.
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Country Kitchen Makeover: Photo Gallery

  Charles Schiller

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  Try it out
  |Bring home paint chips and other samples that you're considering and try different combinations in the actual room in natural light. It's the most effective way to decide what you can--and can't--live with.
  
  Ralph Lauren Paint Samples
  A light, neutral color palette often opens up a space without making kitchen walls a focal point.
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Country Kitchen Makeover: Photo Gallery

  Charles Schiller

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  Appliances
  Sleek and modern, LG's stainless-steel Panorama refrigerator with a bottom freezer, and matching range, dishwasher, and microwave offer the latest technology.
  
  Countertop
  Silestone's Tea Leaf pattern, a dappled brown, tan, and green, complements the color scheme nicely. Made of natural quartz, Silestone is scratch-, chip-, and stain-resistant.
  
  Windows
  The new plan called for the single window to be moved, creating an opportunity to add a second one. Andersen double-hung six-over-six windows and patio door complete the overhaul.
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Country Kitchen Makeover: Photo Gallery

  Charles Schiller

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  Storage
  A low retaining wall prevented the installation of full-size cabinets along the kitchen's back wall. Instead, customized shallow cupboards (above) were installed to provide necessary storage for coffee cups and other small items.
  
  Thomasville Cabinetry's Ashton line offered a few door styles--open, glass-front, and beadboard--allowing for customization. Glass-front doors (below) are ideal for showcasing pretty collections.
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Country Kitchen Makeover: Photo Gallery

  Charles Schiller