Donna & Rob’s Brooklyn Park, MN Kitchen Renovation
A credo that Lindus Construction has held dear since our company’s inception nearly 40 years ago is that if you offer exceptional products with iron-clad warranties, you’ll have a customer for life. The first time we had the opportunity to work with Donna and Rob was approximately six years ago. At the time, their focus was window replacement. Delighted with the end result, we made their short list when it came time to interview contractors to tackle their kitchen renovation.
The home, built in 1986, had a kitchen in desperate need of modernization. At a quick glance, the quantity of cabinets seemed adequate. However, they lacked proper storage. This rang true particularly for the cabinets that hung over the home’s peninsula. Wanting to lighten up the space, the couple was receptive to lighter colored cabinets, new countertops, and the removal of the dropped soffits. All appliances were not energy efficient and mismatched. Another major item on their wish list was for the flow between the kitchen and the dining room to feel more natural. A secondary component of this project was creating a more user friendly laundry room. Here’s how our team was able to address Donna and Rob’s concerns.
Cabinetry
The most prominent feature within the couple’s kitchen was their uninviting cabinetry. The color scheme darkened the room and their configuration was not conducive to tidy storage. They were receptive to removing the cabinets that faced their living room, but wanted assurance that there would still be ample storage. To address this concern, we suggested the installation of a sizable pantry adjacent to the refrigerator which also served the purpose of concealing the furnace flue. Having the intention of making these cabinets, the last they’d ever install in their kitchen, Donna and Rob opted for a timeless white matte finish. Oil rubbed bronze hardware completed the look.
Backsplash, Countertop, & Sink
White 3” x 6” subway tiles in a brick format were installed along the perimeter of the kitchen. This color and configuration offers a timeless look that will be appreciated for years to come. The preexisting vinyl countertops were white and discolored, offering minimal appeal to the space. In order to add a splash of color and drama to the new kitchen, a deep gray quartz countertop was installed. Lauded for their modern allure, durability and stain resistance, quartz countertops are the perfect showpiece for Donna & Rob’s contemporary kitchen. In place of the previous sink and faucet, the couple upgraded to an undermount stainless steel sink with a single handle bronze efficient kitchen faucet. 
Lighting Concept
In order to improve upon the kitchen’s lighting scheme, the florescent ceiling lights were replaced with LED can lights. In addition to being more energy efficient, they evenly disperse light within the kitchen. A dimmer switch was added to allow Donna and Rob the ability to have more light for cooking and less for early morning coffee brewing or late night snacking. Additional light sources included pendant lights on a dimmer over the peninsula and island and under cabinet lighting. 
Open Floor Plan
An architectural signature of many 1980’s era homes is a compartmentalized feel. 30 years later, the majority of homeowners prefer an open concept, just like Donna and Rob. To achieve a more unified feel, when cabinets were reconfigured, the couple opted to forego hanging any that would block the view of the living room. In addition, most of the wall was removed between the kitchen and the dining room. The doorway between the kitchen and the dining room was opened up as well. For a look of continuity, matching luxury vinyl flooring was installed throughout the kitchen, dining room, laundry room, and entry.
Appliances
An essential element to creating the chic kitchen Donna and Rob desired was the installation of a new refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, and range. Wanting long-lasting, modern looking appliances, the couple turned to the experts at Warners’ Stellian for advice on appliances that fit this criteria. Ultimately, Donna and Rob selected pieces from the Frigidaire Gallery® collection.
Counter-depth Frigidaire Gallery® Refrigerator: Comprised of smudge-proof stainless steel, this model won the couple over because its counter depth design creates a modern, aesthetically pleasing look. The refrigerator is designed to maximize space and boasts over 100 ways to customize the internal fridge storage. 
Frigidaire Gallery® Built-In Dishwasher: This appliance works well for large groups and can accommodate up to 14 place settings. In a day and age where time is of the essence, the couple appreciated the fact that the dishwasher came with a 30-minute quick clean cycle. The third rack can be easily removed. There’s no mistaking when the cycle is complete because a LED floor beam is blue when dishes are being washed and changes to green when the washing cycle has concluded.
Frigidaire Gallery® Microwave: The oversized over-the-range microwave comes equipped with an intuitive sensor that has the ability to adjust power levels and cooking times, depending on what is being prepared.
Frigidaire Gallery® 30-Inch Gas Range: Equipped with true convection, the third heating element disperses air around the oven for quicker, more standard multi-rack baking. Donna and Rob appreciated that the range’s temperature probe made it straightforward to select a temperature and they appreciated that they’d be notified once it had been reached. The range also came with a highly sought after low simmer burner that is intended to make the cooking of fussy foods and sauces a breeze.
Laundry Room
One of the biggest issues with the laundry room prior to the custom home renovation was that storage space was lacking. This issue was easily remedied with the installation of cabinets above the washer and dryer. Upon completion, the clutter within the room was eliminated.
Take a Virtual Tour of Another Custom Kitchen Created by Lindus Construction:
