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Renovation Solutions: A pellet ice machine might start a big remodel project
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The double oven, copper sink and cook top with pot filler are a few of the new features in this remodeled kitchen. - photo by Annie Schwemmer and Ann Robinson
We've recently worked with a family who knew that someday they would like to remodel their home; they just werent sure when. When the wife wanted to install a pellet ice machine in the kitchen, it sparked the major remodel to the main and upper floors of the house.

That simple pellet ice machine would require a drain in the floor. They figured that if they were going to have to rip up the floor, they might as well get new hardwood floors. If they did the floors, they might as well replace the whole kitchen and if they were going to remodel the kitchen, they might as well address the rest of the dream while they were at it. A major remodel was in the future plans anyway. They just hadnt pulled the trigger yet.

They laugh now about how "the stupid pellet ice machine started the whole remodel.

They started planning and implementing the years of ideas they wanted for their home. They originally built their house in 1998 and at the time didn't go for a lot of extras.

The wife wanted coffered ceilings, a beautiful staircase and a great kitchen.

When they decided to start the process, the family hired an interior designer, who helped put together a team including an architect and contractor, which is how we met them. They decided to hire professional help in order to get it built correctly on the first try. The wife said she has a good sense of style but doesnt have access to all the resources the professionals do.

The whole design process started in June. Construction started in November, and the final project was finished the following June. While it seemed like a long process, they were pleased with the results.

The goal was a timeless design that is in fashion now and will also stay current for a long time.

The kitchen is one of the wife's favorite parts of the remodel (it is a toss-up between the kitchen and her craft room) and is equipped with the latest design features.

One wall of the kitchen has a double oven, a steamer oven, a warming drawer and a microwave. Another section has the stove top and a pot filler, which is a faucet at the stove to fill large pots.

The cabinets are equipped with custom pull-out drawers and pull-out shelves. The wife loves her pull-out trash bin and the pull-out cabinet for her stand mixer, which used to sit on the counter.

The grandkids' favorite is the refrigerated drawers there are drawers designated for drinks and popsicles.

The large island, the walk-in pantry (with a pass-through from the garage for direct unloading of groceries), and a copper sink are all big hits.

However, we cant forget the smoothie station (as the wife calls it) with a place for her blender and that coveted pellet ice machine. She calls it "an absolutely awesome kitchen."

Now they are making plans to remodel the basement next. We cant wait to see how that turns out.