A Kitchen Remodel Designed to Maximize Storage
Since sharing Jamie Gernert’s popular holiday home tour back in 2020, she’s founded her own multidisciplinary studio, WYC Designs. Jamie’s offerings include interior design, and both her team and client roster have quickly grown. Just before the pandemic, Jamie began a kitchen and pantry remodel with a young family who’d recently relocated to Orlando, Florida. They wanted to customize the details and maximize storage, all while keeping the existing layout intact. The project wasn’t easy, given the supply chain disruptions, but the resulting space was well worth the wait.
A Kitchen Remodel Designed to Maximize Storage
THE OVERVIEW:
Project: WYC Designs’ Client #MakeitHomey
Location: Orlando, FL
Timeline: 16 months
Scope of Work: Kitchen + pantry remodel
BEFORE: KITCHEN
BEFORE: PANTRY
AFTER
Tell us about this project and the scope of work involved.
This is one of our first WYC Designs projects. The clients signed on with us in September 2020 to totally revamp their production build spec kitchen because the existing space wasn’t their style. The plan was to redesign without moving the main components, including the range and sink location.
We’d love to hear an overview of your clients and what they were looking for within the space.
Our clients moved to Florida from out of state and left behind a charming home full of character and warmth. As a growing young family, they needed ample storage and a communal space to gather. The design needed to focus on function just as much as aesthetics.
“As a growing young family, they needed ample storage and a communal space to gather. “
Talk to us about the initial inspiration and the process of honing your vision?
We started a detailed Pinterest board that included sections for every project element. Based on our initial meeting, I knew we needed to emphasize their tall ceilings and sprawl into their large main living space.
My clients’ style leans more modern at times, so adding those elements in lighting and hardware was key while also making it feel inviting. We gathered tile and cabinet samples to start and landed on a warm but clean palette that ultimately shaped the space.
More to Read: The Easiest Method to Organize Design Samples
What were some of the major pain points, and how did you problem-solve with design?
The majority of this project was done during the pandemic, so sourcing appliances was tough. Lead times felt impossibly long, but we kept our eye on the prize and stayed focused. Due to the wait times, my clients started to second guess certain things, which can happen, so making prompt decisions was critical.
“The workhorse-style island allows ample storage for entertaining and family life.”
Any favorite details to share?
The workhorse-style island allows ample storage for entertaining and family life. And if you didn’t notice, the in-counter glass rinser is so practical for this family to store bottles and kids’ dishware. The custom fridge/freezer panels also keep that main wall visually clean.
PROJECT CREDITS
Interior Design: WYC Designs, Photography + Styling: WYC Designs, Cabinets + Kitchen Island: Barry Neal Carpets (Starmark Cabinetry in Dove and Tarragon Stain), Refrigerator: Custom, Freezer Panels: Jessie’s Cabinets, Countertop: Cambria Whitby Matte, Plumbing: Ferguson, Contractor: Kreative Resources, Tile Installation: Aegis Home Improvement, Appliances: Wolf, Sub Zero: Aggressive Appliances | Pendant + Sconce Lighting: Restoration Hardware
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BY: ANASTASIA CASEY