Rustic Imperial Kitchen Remodeling Project
Custom cabinetry featuring old world finishing techniques, travertine tile and natural stone countertops make this rustic kitchen located in Imperial, MO really stand out!
Existing Rustic Imperial Kitchen Remodel
This kitchen project located in Imperial, MO needed some TLC. The original layout was small and the cabinetry were builder grade. There was also never any hardware installed so many of the cabinet doors and drawers were missing the finish from years of pulling the door or drawer to open the cabinet.
Several of the appliances were no longer working properly. The old dishwasher had one cycle that worked and several burners on the range were not functional. We did plan to re-use the existing refrigerator since it was only a few years old. The old laminate countertops had a seam that had split and the front edge at the dishwasher was starting to delaminate. The only item to remain from the original kitchen was the travertine floor which was installed a few years earlier.
Proposed Rustic Imperial Kitchen Design Ideas
Like all Thompson Price Kitchen and Bathroom remodels, our 4P Process was followed to help take this kitchen from what it was to what we wanted it to become. Perfect Plan begins with a site visit performed by members of the Thompson Price Design Team.
We have multiple goals at this stage. The first is to take complete and accurate dimensions of the existing space. We also take around 100 photos of existing kitchen spaces so we can recreate the existing space along with the utilities to begin the design phase. In most cases, Perfect Plan starts with two complete new designs for each kitchen or bathroom remodel.
Kitchen Design Plan A
The first kitchen design focused on relocating the laundry room to the upstairs bathroom. By moving the laundry room, we able to integrate that space into the kitchen layout to house a large pantry with roll-out shelves, a large coffee bar and prep area, decorative floating shelves and an area for a countertop microwave.
In this kitchen design, we left the island oriented the same way as the original to avoid encroaching on the dining area. A custom charging drawer and trash/recycling cabinet was specified in the island cabinetry. All of the wall cabinets in this plan were designed to finish at the ceiling with decorative crown molding.
Kitchen Design Plan B
Plan B, our second kitchen design option reconfigured the powder room area to allow for more clearance in the kitchen area. This kitchen design option still removes the laundry area but in moving the powder room, we were able to show a much larger kitchen island.
This second design concept places the cooking area as the focal point with a custom vent hood and sides flanked with custom stacked stone to add rustic flare to the kitchen. The customer also knew they wanted a custom 36″ dual-fuel range for cooking area so we designed with that in mind.
Rustic Imperial Kitchen Design Revisions and Product Specifications
The customer decided to go with the first plan for this kitchen remodel but made adjustments to the island and the pantry area. The island was designed with drawer storage on the same side as the range for easy access to pot and pan storage. We also paneled the sides of the island to give it a furniture look. A charging drawer was specified to keep all of the customer’s electronics charging out of sight instead of on a countertop.
This project was going to feature our custom cabinetry from the start. When working with custom finishes like rub through, we stain the cabinetry. Then we paint the cabinetry and hand sand the painted finish down to reveal the stain beneath. Rub through is a very tedious task requiring tons of skill so the final product looks natural and like it’s been worn over years of use. There’s no way any stock cabinet line is capable of this level of custom finish.
Rustic Imperial Kitchen Construction Phase
Once the design, pricing and scope are agreed upon, Perfect Project begins. Perfect Project is our all encompassing term for everything from ordering, scheduling, delivering and installing each project. This project had a few unique things to consider. First, moving the laundry to the second level required adding both electric and plumbing upstairs to run both the washer and dryer. We also needed to vent the dryer to the exterior and we did so by going through the attic and over the garage.
Since the travertine floor was staying, we knew we would have to fill in the flooring where the walls by the old laundry room were removed. The customer had a few tiles from when they did the original floor but not enough to change out full tiles. We all agreed to fill in the tile without grout joints in those areas to help the filled in tiles blend in.
How Long Did This Rustic Imperial Kitchen Remodel Take?
From the first day of demolition to the final cleanup, this kitchen remodeling project took a total of 9 weeks.
Week 1-2:
Site preparation, demolition and debris removal.
Rough electric, plumbing, mechanical including relocating the laundry room upstairs
Rough inspections
Week 3:
Installing customer provided travertine tile to fill in areas where walls used to be at laundry area.
Drywall hanging and taping
Week 4:
Installation of the new custom kitchen cabinetry.
A kitchen countertop template was scheduled for late the fourth week.
Week 5-6:
Installation of custom wood beams and posts
Miscellaneous work while waiting for countertop installation. Appliances that could be set were set at this time. Turnaround for this kitchen counter was two weeks from template.
Week 7:
New granite countertops installed
Week 8:
Tile backsplash installation.
Installation and reconnecting plumbing fixtures, appliances and electrical items like under-cabinet and recessed lighting.
Final painting and touch ups took place at this time as well.
Week 9:
Final clean up, trash haul, final inspections and final walkthrough where we double to check to make sure everything looks and functions as it should.
