Our Ambler client’s goals included a kitchen remodel and a cabana to complement the installation of their new pool. Additionally, years prior they had a sunroom added next to their kitchen, however poor workmanship and installation techniques resulted in leaks and failing materials. They had interviewed Harth for the sunroom addition but hired another contractor. This time around they knew they wanted Harth to accomplish both their new goals as well as correct what wasn’t done right the first time with their sunroom. The timing couldn’t have been better for our client’s needs as Harth’s team listened thoroughly and proposed a new floor plan that incorporated the square footage of the sunroom into the new kitchen layout while also increasing the sizes of their small pantry and laundry room. Additionally, the contemporary design and style of their new pool cabana marries beautifully with the remodeled kitchen and adjacent rooms.
Maintaining an aspect of the former sunroom, the renovated kitchen features a wall of tall windows with sills aligned to the perimeter counters; this maximizes natural daylight across the enlarged kitchen and offers ample views of the new pool and new pool cabana. The orientation of the cabana in the backyard was carefully handled to maximize adjacency to the home while optimizing site lines of the three structures from various points in the home and around the yard.
A key focal point of the kitchen is the custom stainless-steel hood with brushed gold accent band, gorgeous full-height natural stone slab backsplash, and 48-inch Wolf gas rangetop. Custom cabinetry in a striking combination of warm cream paint and taupe stained maple with brushed gold hardware offers numerous storage options including two appliance garages that keep the countertop space tidy. The spacious island includes large-veined quartz counters with a 3” thick faux edge, waterfall panel on one end, generous overhang for comfortable countertop seating, and extra base cabinet storage tucked below the seating side. Efficiently located near the double wall ovens, full-height cabinetry with roll-out shelving flanks each side of the 42” countertop depth refrigerator/freezer and provides perfect space for large cookware and oversized items. Large format floor tile with radiant heat provides easy maintenance and eliminates the need for toe kick heaters. Skylights and painted shiplap at the ceiling provide additional light, texture, and interest. An eye-catching, contemporary wet bar, conveniently positioned near the family room, supports the family’s entertaining needs and features decorative black metallic backsplash tile in an offset grid pattern, glass wall cabinet doors with interior lighting, beverage refrigerator, and two wide floating wall shelves, one with integrated wine glass rack storage. A generous run of base cabinetry with a pass-through above is a divider between the kitchen and family room and offers both open and closed shelving along with wine bottle storage. This countertop doubles for buffet serving, highly convenient for both indoor and outdoor entertaining. Brushed gold accents throughout, including on the plumbing fixtures and pair of dramatic pendants over the island, balance well with the stainless-steel appliances resulting in a successful, contemporary aesthetic.
Thoughtful attention was considered for other areas of the home as well. Within the laundry room, cabinetry was designed with a new utility sink and built-in storage bench as well as a designated dog crate location for the family’s beloved pet. To increase continuity, the large format floor tile from the kitchen extends into entry foyer as well as the expanded laundry room and walk-in pantry. The existing traditional aesthetics of both foyer and rear stairs were fully updated with a contemporary combination of painted and stained, square-edge newel posts and balusters, along with complementary stair runners.
The stylish and very functional new pool cabana will be enjoyed for many years to come! The exterior features James Hardie board and batten siding, stained wood plank ceiling with charcoal finish for warmth and interest, and modern wall sconces yielding eye-catching accent lighting and ambience. The floor plan provides ample space for large, comfortable furniture and bar seating to watch the wall-mounted television or simply enjoy conversations. A generous 36-inch XO stainless steel grill is built into NatureKast cabinetry along with an outdoor-use sink, faucet, and beverage refrigerator. The cabana’s convenient powder room includes a modern vanity and horizontal gray-blue painted shiplap on the walls. Cabana finishes include light gray cabinetry, impressive honed black granite counters, and stamped concrete in a random pattern that was coordinated with the pool vendor.
From interior to exterior this remodel and addition exceeded the expectations of our very easy-to-work-with and satisfied client. Harth’s team worked hard to coordinate well with the pool vendor so both projects were completed in a timely manner. A beautiful success all around – we are thrilled for our client, their family, and friends to enjoy year-round and for many decades to come!
