This is What a National-Award Winning Kitchen Looks Like

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This is What a National-Award Winning Kitchen Looks Like

Company name: Clay Construction Inc.
Project name: Blue Horizon
Location: Langley, BC
Local Home Builders’ Association: Homebuilders Association Vancouver (HAVAN)

There’s kitchen envy, and then there’s major kitchen envy. As far as we’re concerned, this award-winning project from British Columbia-based company Clay Construction Inc. definitely falls into the latter. Caesarstone countertops, custom acrylic and wood cabinets, a giant linear island and inlet views-need we say more? In fact, the only thing more stunning than the final design is seeing the incredible before-and-after transformation. Keep reading to see how Clay Construction turned this 1940s kitchen into a cooking and entertaining heaven!

From Boxed-In to Inlet Views

The homeowner wanted views, and views they got! The boxy design of this 1940’s home was in desperate need of a new layout. The kitchen and dining room offered exceptional views of the majestic British Columbia coastline, but they were hidden behind walls that felt confining. The new design created an open-concept space and drastically improved the visual appeal by adding outdoor viewpoints to nearly every angle of the room. Clay Construction strategically installed a new window behind the kitchen sink so that whoever is working in the kitchen will never feel secluded. For lighting, beautiful glass-globe pendants were placed above the island to create the perfect ambiance while keeping views in sight. 

 

Island Oasis

This kitchen is all about functionality and style and makes cooking a breeze. The addition of the oversized island completely transforms the way the space is used. The island is big enough for multiple workstations and creates ample space to spread out while preparing food, entertaining, or simply showing off a favorite centerpiece. The high-efficiency KitchenAid stainless-steel appliances are complimented by a five-burner gas range and a stainless-steel hooded fan. The stylish faucets are “low-flow,” saving the homeowner on both water and energy. The new island holds a bar sink, wine cooler and microwave, plus convenient storage on the sides.  

Fresh Details

Not only is the functional space perfect for entertaining, but the style of this kitchen is unique. A modern mosaic-tile backsplash was incorporated throughout the kitchen. The floors feature new, durable hardwood laminate. For general lighting, Clay Construction carefully positioned pot lights and undercounter puck lights. A medley of touches like bright white Caesarstone “Frosty Carina” countertops and contrasting upper and lower cabinets of high-gloss blue acrylic and Philippine teak wood keep the kitchen feeling sophisticated, fun, and fresh. 

 

Overcoming Challenges

Along with the benefits of renovating older homes can come potential problems during a reno project – such as trying to track down records of past renovations and add-ons. This can be frustrating and time-consuming to homeowner and renovator alike, and it happened with this project. To make sure the homeowners don’t run into a problem like this in the future, Clay Contruction proactively took photos throughout the renovation process, including prior to insulation. They also updated all the electrical and plumbing. Asbestos remediation, a common element in an 80-year-old home reno, meant working with a third-party company to ensure the renovation was completed safely. 

To see more award-winning renovation photos, visit chba.ca/housingawards to get inspired and follow us on Instagram (@renomark_ca)!