Home Room
A New Approach
It’s a dilemma that many empty nesters face. Should they downsize and move, or should they stay in their current location and remodel to meet changing needs? For Mary and Gary Pennington of rural northern Warren County, the latter was an obvious choice.
“We built out here about 20 years ago, and we have developed the land [7½ acres] the way we wanted. I guess we aren’t ready to leave it yet. It’s not big enough to farm, but it’s too much to mow, so we planted lots of wildflowers,” Mary says with a chuckle.
But with their two children gone from home, and with three grandchildren ages 8, 4, and 2 coming to visit and play, they knew they wanted some changes to the kitchen. With both of them liking to cook—“Gary makes lasagna to die for”—the kitchen island always seemed to be in the way.
On the advice of their contractor, Jim White, the couple opted to work with designer Debbie Bohnsack of Builders Kitchen and Supply of Des Moines. “Both Mary and Gary were really willing to change, which you don’t always find,” she points out. “Sometimes one or the other member of a couple isn’t willing to change things around, but they were both open to change. They are good decision makers.”
Before:
Bohnsack came up with three design plans. “We all three agreed on Plan C, which completely reconfigured the kitchen space. We chose natural cherry cabinetry made by Grabill in Indiana Amish country for a mellow, interesting look. They chose silver drawer pulls and knobs, purchased online, which tie in with stainless-steel appliances.”
Mary says choosing cabinetry was the hardest decision, but they are thrilled with the result. Gary chose the wall color, a mellow, rich pumpkin tone. There are spots for Mary to display pottery bowls and plates, particularly an intricate Nicholas Mosse bowl in the Old Rose pattern that she purchased in Ireland. The new cabinetry goes to the ceiling, with no bulkheads, for more storage. “We inherited our mothers’ china and crystal, so this extra space works beautifully,” Mary says.
Gary, vice president of Lozier Heating and Cooling, is used to working with blueprints and enjoys design work, so he wasn’t intimidated by the process, Mary says. She works for Electric Pump in Des Moines. “Debbie talked us through what our needs are, and with her expertise the plan really fell into place.” The whole remodeling process took about eight weeks.
Instead of an island to cut up space, the core of the kitchen is now open, which makes it easier for two cooks to work together. A large granite peninsula offers ample work space and also provides room for counter-height chairs for eating. It also works beautifully for baking with grandchildren and entertaining friends. High in the corner is a mounted TV, complete with DVD player. “I’m one of those who say that food must remain in the kitchen, so this works well.”
In the open floor plan, the dining room with table and chairs is nearby for larger gatherings. And, instead of a window over the sink, there’s a pass-through, which allows the person at the sink to be able to look through the dining room to the outside views.
One of the biggest perks for Mary is the gas cooktop and the double wall ovens. “Now I can plan what I want to cook, not what I have room to cook. There’s a big difference.”
Bohnsack also worked with the Penningtons in reconfiguring their master bath. She used the same cherry cabinetry, which coordinates with their bedroom furnishings. Slate floor tiles and a walk-in shower give a whole new look at that end of the house as well.
“It’s all just great,” Mary beams. “I’m glad we’re staying.”
Resources
Design, cabinetry
Builders Kitchen and Supply
Contractor
Jim White Construction
Granite
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