ESSENTIAL ERICSSON
Mitlyng Design Team:
Ashley Mitlyng, Katie Loecken, Eden Garton
Photography:
Half Acre House
Contractor:
Pheasant Run Construction
COOKING EPICENTER
Many Minneapolis Bungalows were originally designed with modest kitchens, and this home in the Ericsson neighborhood is no exception. The homeowner, while in love with her modest house, also wanted a kitchen to facilitate her baking and entertaining hobbies.
The grand achievement of this design was providing the feel and function of a large kitchen within the existing 10’ x 11’ footprint. The largest challenge was incorporating professional-sized appliances, ample storage, and prep-space without an addition or sacrificing any of the existing spaces. We achieved the kitchen layout through many precise surgical moves, carefully considering how we appointed each.
PROFESSIONAL-GRADE, RESIDENTIAL SETTING
The focal point of the kitchen is the range wall with its 48” professional-grade custom appliance, open shelving, and handmade ceramic tile. A window and walkway previously dominated all the available space on this side of the room. We achieved the new layout by slightly repositioning the opening to the stair a mere 10”.
This subtle change allowed for additional shelving in the dark walnut aesthetic. Removing the window to the side yard made an uninterrupted cooking epicenter possible. The oversized range, storage cabinets, and continuous field of tile now draw your eye across the functional and stunning feature wall.
STRATEGIC PENINSULA
The sink wall and peninsula work harmoniously within the existing kitchen footprint by being conscious of space and budget. By customizing the peninsula depth, the sink is centered on the existing window to the back yard, while allowing enough space for a full-size dishwasher.
The peninsula base cabinet is flush with the dining room wall, allowing the dining room to remain symmetrical and spacious. The wall between the dining and kitchen opens to create one large space. However, the historic cove molding in the dining room remains undisturbed by retaining a header between spaces. The new opening between rooms also allows room for the upper cabinet to be tucked inside the kitchen, helping to visually define each room.
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After
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MATERIALS MARRYING ERAS
Materials in the space intentionally reference mid-century modern design while fitting within the 1920s urban cottage.
Walnut flat panel veneer cabinets are adorned with minimal, one-size brass pulls to bring uniformity to the space. We selected a range customized with brass details to tie together stainless appliances with brass hardware and fixtures. Hand-glazed ceramic tiles add a tactile texture to the straight stack, gridded backsplash field. Coordinating globe-shaped lighting throughout the home provides a familiar context for the kitchen.
By marrying modern with traditional styles, we delicately achieved an updated relationship between the kitchen and the dining space.
BACKYARD CONNECTION
Built-ins and an attached porch previously crowded the dining room, blocking natural light from the main level. By tearing down the porch and trading built-ins for a wider door, we created a space that is brighter and better connected to the backyard.
Gracious stoop and steps now transitions the dining room to the new exterior stamped-concrete entertaining space.
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After