East Ave. Kitchen Project – chapter three

by Robin Muto on February 27, 2010

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Every Stove should find it's Niche

~Chapter Three: Romancing the Stove~

One of the challenges in designing this kitchen was finding the space to add a center island and additional counter space with stools for casual dining.  The existing kitchen and laundry room were to remain as two separate rooms.  Since we were not building an addition to the kitchen, we had to figure out a way to accommodate these design goals.  After extensive consultation with an engineer and approval by the Preservation Board, it was decided to remove the chimney which enabled us to move the stove two feet. This gave us enough room to create the center island.  We needed to leave some wall to the left and right of the stove.  The original pantry is located behind and to the left and the chase which feeds plumbing and wiring to the second floor is on the right.

What you see in these photos (clockwise from top left) is: 1) the stove against the chimney wall in the original kitchen, 2) the chimney dismantled looking from the kitchen into the laundry room, 3) the new space for the stove as seen from the dining area and 4) the fabrication of the new arched entry into the kitchen from the pantry adjacent to the arched stove niche. Reclaimed hickory flooring being installed is from Pioneer Millworks in Farmington, NY

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East Ave. Kitchen Project – chapter two

by Robin Muto on February 6, 2010

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The Last Supper: Before Demolition - DeConstruction - Reconstruction

~ Chapter Two: No Turning Back Now ~

Let’s face it, some people like to cook, but we all love to eat. As they say: “food is the great equalizer” (I love that expression).   The dining experience is the main event bringing friends and family together.  Not only do my clients love to cook but they enjoy leisurely meals, partaking in the sensory experience of pairing wine with food.

What you see in these photos is the beginning of an arched dining area that will embrace a circular, deliciously comfy banquet.  Form followed function when the removal of the vertical column required shoring up the beam above it.  Thanks to the superb craftsmanship of Kuebler Enterprises, a sweeping graceful arch was created.  The addition of this classic architectural element provided a visual distinction between the dining and prep areas of the kitchen

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East Ave. Kitchen Project – chapter one

by Robin Muto on February 3, 2010

in Uncategorized

Design Phase: Before and After

~ Chapter One: In the Beginning ~

Once upon a time there was a very nice couple who lived peacefully in a beautiful house set into a lovely landscaped yard in Rochester’s prized East Ave historic district.  They loved to cook and entertain their friends but unfortunately the existing kitchen was not up to pare.  Alas, one fine day they summoned up the courage to redesign their kitchen…..and their lives were changed forever!  I will share with you this epic story.

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Sparkle & Glow-Lighting a Jewelry Store

November 27, 2009

~Part Three~ Lighting  Cornell’s Jewelers was a great opportunity to use many lighting techniques because the Cornell’s were willing to experiment with the latest lighting technologies.  Working with Kovalsky Carr and technical departments of several lighting manufacturers, we was able to borrow light fixtures to create a variety of mock-ups. To help decide on the [...]

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Show & Tell: Lighting a Jewelry Store

October 17, 2009

~Part Two~ I finally had my opportunity to meet with David and Olivia Cornell.  The three main criteria for lighting the new store was: make it brighter, make it bluer (which showed off the diamonds better) and decrease the amount of heat generated by the light fixtures.  I presented my ideas to create a successful [...]

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Setting the Stage: Lighting a Jewelry Store

September 28, 2009

~Part One~ I had noticed the dust and rubble surrounding Cornell’s Jewelers for several months so it came as quite a surprise when the Cornells called me to discuss their project.   They informed me that their store fixture designer had provided them with a lighting plan but  they weren’t convinced it would remedy their [...]

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Team Spirit

September 19, 2009

As an experienced builder of high-end residential homes, Dominick understands the value of selecting your team members and coordinating all phases of the design before the shovel hits the ground. His approach to a project is: “Begin with the end in mind”.  When building a new home, many people begin with an architect and a [...]

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Love That Wood

August 12, 2009

Sometimes you meet someone or visit someplace and you immediately feel right at home.  That’s how I felt on my recent visit to New Energy Works Timberframers, and Pioneer Millworks located in Farmington NY.  I was given a most delightful and informative tour of the entire facility by Jennifer Young their staff marketing person.  They [...]

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No Longer Crunchy

July 21, 2009

Anyone remember the Whole Earth Catalog, how about Mother Earth News? It was 1968, sometimes referred to as the Back to the Land Movement and I would say that this was the precursor for the Green Design movement which is moving its way main stream thanks to people like Al Gore. I’ll never forget the [...]

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Cool Shades of Green

July 13, 2009

There sure is a whole lotta green washing going on and it has become the marketing enigma of the 21st century.   But the reality is that “Going Green” is not fad or fashion; it is a revolution that is growing more mainstream every day.   I recently spent two days participating in a Green Design [...]

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