With the breakneck pace to which so many Americans have become accustomed, quantity of time with our families has long since been passed up for quality time. And though evenings seem like the logical time to spend together, all too often we find once all our daily obligations of work, school and various miscellaneous activities are completed, we split up inside our homes. Mom can be found in the kitchen trying to get dinner going, the kids are in their rooms doing homework (that is, after they’ve been asked to do it at least half a dozen times) and Dad has found some area of the house where he can unwind. So, how is it feasible to have that elusive quality time?
John and Susan Hjalmquist have managed to remove the hurdle of separation by means of the layout of their home and with loads of special attention paid in the planning stages of their kitchen. It is impossible to look at the Hjalmquist’s kitchen without being impressed. But, what started out as a plan for a unique and beautiful kitchen evolved into a space that is functional and attractive from a practical standpoint as well. Susan, as one who loves to cook and also collects cookbooks, will tell you that their kitchen was “made to use not just to look at.”
After seeing a fireplace in a kitchen in Santa Fe, Susan absolutely loved the concept and wanted the kitchen designed around this feature. John also picked out a distinctive, hanging pot rack adorned with grapes and intricately detailed vines and leaves that they both loved and wanted incorporated into the design. With these two elements in mind, the couple hired area interior designer, Lori McCuaig of LMC Design Group. Together they created a kitchen that has become the heart of their home and a gathering place for their family and friends.
In keeping with the theme created by the pot rack, the kitchen has a very Tuscan feel to it. The cabinetry is a perfect example of form meeting function. Antiqued in a lovely toasted almond, it is pleasing to look at and affords ample storage space. The granite countertops are a beautiful melding of slate, charcoal, pumpkin and cinnamon. The island, equipped with a sink, is large enough that Susan can have plenty of room to prepare food while her son does his homework at the other end. A handy pot filler located next to the commercial Thermador stove alleviates the effort of maneuvering large pots underneath a faucet. Other great amenities of the kitchen include a Sub-Zero refrigerator and wine vault.
The kitchen opens into the family room, which facilitates conversation between the two spaces. It is also a perfect accommodation for parties and gatherings of every nature. Finishing touches can be made on the meal while still mingling with guests.
Susan’s love for cooking coupled with having a spectacular kitchen has inspired each of her and John’s three sons, Tyler, Trevor and Connor to try their hands at cooking. Tyler, 18 and Trevor, 15, both cook with Trevor taking a special interest in baking. Even Connor, 11, cooks his own eggs for breakfast, though he gladly steps aside on Sunday mornings when John treats them all to batches of his delectable chocolate chip pancakes.
When all is said and done, each member of the family has come to appreciate this impressive kitchen. However, it is not for its obvious luxury, but for its byproducts; a place to eat, share and spend honest-to-goodness quality time with the people who mean the most to them.
|
