Old World Meets Pro California Kitchen

Architectural features like these three pillars bring old world charm to this kitchen remodel by EKD of San Jose, California.

Chris Grimm from Essential Kitchen Design of San Jose, in the Santa Clara County of California helps homeowners get excited about remodeling their kitchens. Once people get the "remodel bug" they're ready to invest the money and time it takes to get their dream kitchen.

When Chris enters a kitchen remodel project he keeps an open mind so that he can explore the homeowners' wants and needs to create their ultimate kitchen.

Renovation Experts had the opportunity to interview Chris Grimm about one of his recent kitchen designs, one that he calls: "Old World Meets Pro", as well as other kitchen remodels in the greater San Jose area.

Renovation Experts: What are homeowners in San Jose and the Bay Area looking for in a kitchen remodel?

Chris Grimm: We at EKD find a fair number of homeowners in the Silicon Valley with homes built in the 1970's that have a "BBQ-fireplace-brick-monstrosity" in their family room that they'd like to take out. We removed one of these "Brady-Bunch-brick-fireplace walls" from this remodel project and opened the kitchen into the old family room creating a Great Room. I designed a peninsula with a bar sitting area that links the two rooms, but that keeps the space open at the same time.

Renovation Experts: Is there a feature that you like to use that truly brands your kitchen designs?

Chris Grimm: The "zero-in feature" that I use, really making a kitchen look cool, is a Bay Window behind the kitchen sink.  The counter behind the sink is integrated into the window providing extra counter space behind the faucet. You really feel like you are in the command center when you're standing there. It also gives a panoramic view of the outside, whether it is a scenic view or a backyard fence that you turn into a Japanese Garden.

	Two Bay Windows bring the outside into to this already open kitchen space. The long runway of counter provides ample room for food preparation. The pro fridge and double ovens by Viking give the homeowners a professional edge when cooking in their new kitchen designed by Essential Kitchen Design of San Jose, CA.

Renovation Experts: What are the design features that compose your "Old World Meets Pro" style?

Chris Grimm: Some of the features that make up the kitchen's style are:

• Architectural features
• The three Pillars
• Moldings and trim
• Pro appliances

Renovation Experts: What appliances did you use in your "Old World Meets Pro" Kitchen?

Chris Grimm: The pro part of the kitchen really comes from professional appliances, especially the fridge. Here is what we used in this kitchen:

42” Viking Refrigerator 30” Viking Double Ovens 30” Viking Gas Cooktop 30” Viking Downdraft 24” Bosch Dishwasher 24” GE Space Savor Microwave HD Bone Crusher Garbage Disposal

Renovation Experts: How about the flooring, cabinets and counters etc.? What did you use?

Chris Grimm: Here is a list of the materials and finishes:

• Flooring:
  Kitchen – Tile - 18 x 18 Kashmere Travertine
• Cabinetry:
  Custom Wood Products (CWP) – Ambassador Quality, Maple Wood, Terry Door Style, Eggshell Painted Finish with Heirloom Umber Glaze
• Countertops:
  Juparano Nathalia Granite Slab with 4” kitchen backsplash,
• Windows and Doors:
  Andersen 5640 Bay Window (30 degree), 3 Casement and 1 French Door
• Sink: 30” Franke Stainless Steel Sink
  18” Franke Stainless Steel Prep Sink
• Entry Skylight:
  72” x 144” Skylight well with 2 Velux 30” x 35” skylights
• Columns with Arched Opening:
  3 Kelleher Fiberglass Columns with Faux Texture and Cast Limestone Finish

We hope our interview with Chris Grimm of Essential Kitchen Design inspires you with your kitchen remodel.

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