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The Work Triangle

An unhindered workspace

Because the kitchen is the heart of the home, it means there will be a lot of activity that takes place within its boundaries. People get ready to face the day by making their morning coffee and packing lunches. Dishes that have piled up need to be washed and put away. Dinner needs to be made and served to a hungry family. With all these different tasks going on, often at the same time, it’s easy for people to stumble over one another and create chaos in what should be a pleasant area in the home. This is where the work triangle comes into play by creating a functional space that allows everything to get done without trampling over others in the process. 

What is the work triangle?

A work triangle is a standard design practice that helps create an efficient kitchen workspace with clear traffic lanes allowing the cook to have easy access to food storage, cleaning, and cooking areas. It is an imaginary triangle connecting the cooktop, sink, and refrigerator within the sum of the triangle that does not exceed 26 feet. Some other general rules include:

  • No side of the triangle should cut through an island or peninsula by more than 12 inches.
  • No major traffic pattern should cross through the triangle
  • Each leg should measure between four and nine feet.

By creating boundaries within the kitchen, activities can take place easily and quickly. Browse our gallery for more examples and inspiration.

Benefits of the triangle

With so much going on in the kitchen including evening homework by the kids and work projects by parents, it is easy for space to quickly become crowded hindering the original purpose, cooking. By creating the triangle, a dedicated area is now in place which ensures that there is enough space for making those delicious meals without risk of a collision. Convenience is another benefit to having the work triangle in place since it allows for everything to be within easy reach. If there is a designated space for cooking there will be less traffic going through allowing the person cooking to complete the meal with minimal distractions. Learn more about the benefits of having a work triangle in the kitchen.

Great use of space

Whether you have a small or large space, it is important to use it effectively. A small kitchen needs to function properly while not feeling cramped. A large kitchen has more space which can create some hassle if things are too far apart. A work triangle solves both of these problems by making each space work effortlessly in the designated area. A small kitchen means there is no room for wasted space which is where the triangle helps because it places the most used stations within easy reach of each other. With a large kitchen, things can get lost and feel too far away, making it difficult to cook or do anything else. The triangle saves the day again by placing the essential areas together saving valuable steps, especially when trying to get dinner on the table. 

A place to create

The triangle is a great design tool and has the ability to help homeowners create a functional, and usable space. It helps save time and energy when making a delicious meal by providing everything within easy reach. Kitchens have evolved into more than just a place to make meals, it is a place where memories are made. The work triangle ensures that both can be done without hindering the other. 

We have nearly twenty years of experience helping our clients create a space that not only works for them but one that they will love for years to come. We would love to have the opportunity to help you take your space from workable to functional.

 

Looking out for your pet, your four-legged friend

We all love our pet but sometimes it can create a problem when it comes to the home design. For example, looking to create that perfect kitchen space you have dreamed of? And not sure where to put the dog’s bowl so that it doesn’t clash with the design? Are you wanting to create that amazing new bathroom but tired of having the cat’s litter box be an eyesore and are unsure of how to hide it with style? We can help create a pet friendly space! While we are a custom kitchen and bath cabinet design center, we also can do much more because we specialize in doing the unique in your home.

Creating function without compromise

Here at Walker Woodworking, we care about the needs of our clients and that extends beyond the two-legged kind. Since most of us here have our own furry companions, we understand the importance of including them in the design. We have become experts in creating functional spaces without compromising beauty. Every pet owner wants their little friend to be comfortable which sometimes requires planning to utilize the space to its maximum potential which is where we come in.

We encourage our clients during the design meeting to share any specific needs or wishes they have for their little fur babies. We want to be able to help you create the perfect space. By knowing in advance what they need makes the planning stage much easier. These requests have resulted in some amazing little details added to some of the projects we have done over the years. One great example was a special cat-shaped door created for a litter box area. Allowing the owner’s cat to use the litter box while keeping with the design looking fantastic! Feeding areas for pets can be a problem, especially with dogs since some of them enjoy turning their food bowls over. We solved that problem by creating an open cabinet with custom cutouts that fit the feeding bowls of the owner’s dog neatly inside while remaining easily accessible to their pet. It was a functional and practical space while remaining true to the original design. Here are a few other pet ideas that might be able to be included in the remodel design process.

Custom designs to suit both you and your pet’s unique needs

We strive to think outside the box to add those little extra touches that meet a need while staying true to the design. It is possible to have function and beauty coexist together. We take what you have, factor in what you need and create a space that is perfect for everyone. Sometimes it is necessary to live in smaller spaces which creates a need for a well-used area to function for multiple purposes. Because we are a custom cabinet place we have the ability to create the perfect space for your pet, this allows us to blend the needs of your pet seamlessly into the function of your lifestyle. Here are some important questions we ask during our initial meeting with our clients.

  • What type of space are we working with?
  • Who will be using the space?
  • What style and atmosphere are you looking to create?
  • Are there any particular special needs we need to consider when creating the design?

It is our pleasure to assist you in having a home you always wanted for you and your sweet companions. So don’t forget to include your furry friend in your design, they have given you so much love and deserve to be taken into account. We look forward to helping you create a space that is perfectly suited to the whole family’s needs. Feel free to browse our gallery for more inspiration.

 

Creative Storage Solutions

Valuable Storage Ideas from Cabinets Designers to Interior Designers

Not all storage works the same. Some items are more difficult to store than others, even when space isn’t the issue. Doors and drawers each serve a purpose to stash different types of items, especially in heavy-traffic areas such as bathrooms. That’s where we come in, we love teaming up with designers to help create storage solutions. When our kitchen and bath designers team up with Interior Designers, the results are amazing. We are open to working with your own interior designer and even welcome it.

Vanessa Fleming, owner, and designer of Acorn Interior Design took the lead for her client to remodel a master bathroom in a Georgian marvel built-in 1941. Vanessa’s clients fell in love with this home and even moved to Gastonia, NC to live in this house.

It started with a plan

Vanesa started out by making a wishlist of all the items the homeowners wanted to incorporate into the design. Then she did an inventory of everything in the closet (# of shoes, shirts, pants, dresses, etc.) so that we were able to design the space specifically needed for each item.  We even had room in the closet for a pullout hamper that could stay out of sight.

As for the homeowner’s wish list, they wanted a separate toilet room, a large walk-in, zero-threshold shower with rain shower and jets. They also wanted space for two people to stand by the mirror at the same time but not two sinks. The husband wanted a fully cedar-lined closet. With having only one medium-sized closet in the master bedroom, another closet was needed. Some creative storage solutions were needed.

There was so much wasted space in the previous bathroom because the bathroom connected “his and hers” master bedrooms. We were able to use all of that square footage by walling in the doorway that led to one of the master bedrooms, which is now a playroom.  We also incorporated the playroom closet into the bathroom to allow more room in the new master bathroom.

New space, better functions

The new space functions so well because two people can be in the bathroom at the same time because there are now four distinct spaces:

1) a separate toilet room,

2) an enclosed shower,

3) the vanity for make-up,

4) the sink area.

The wardrobe/closet was built for the husband and his collection of clothes and shoes (men like fashion too!)  Because of the wool suits, we made the closet space from cedar to ensure moth control.

The docking drawer inside the vanity has a plug inside the drawer for convenience so that the cord does not lay across the counter making is also less cluttered. The drawer also includes a stainless steel holder for the hairdryer and toiletries so that they all remain in one accessible place. Here are a few other storage ideas.

A reflection of detail

Vanessa was able to stay within the parameters by keeping the entrance to the bathroom and windows where they were and incorporating all the wishlist items.

This team approach made the project go smoothly from design to cabinet install. It was a great opportunity to work with an interior designer to help produce a finished project that made the owners smile.
The results reflected all the attention to detail in this amazing master bathroom remodel. These creative storage solutions were a collaboration of both cabinet designer and the interior designer.

Walker Woodworking proudly serves nine counties including but not limited to: Buncombe, Polk, Henderson, Catawba, Mecklenburg, Cleveland, York, Spartanburg, and Greenville. Located 45 miles west of Charlotte, Walker Woodworking is your one-stop-shop for all of your custom and woodworking needs. Nestled in the foothills of North Carolina, we’ve been producing locally-manufactured cabinetry since 1999. We can provide beautiful, custom storage solutions for any room in your home. If you’re looking for distinctive cabinets for your kitchen, then most of what’s available off-the-shelf at retail stores will not do. Contact us and find out how we can make your kitchen stand out from the ordinary at a price you can afford.

Custom laundry room

WSJ Laundry-Closet

The story behind our 5 minutes of fame with the Wall Street Journal.

The famous laundry-closet

We were pleasantly surprised recently when The Wall Street Journal contacted Walker Woodworking and spoke to Travis Walker about a particular laundry room.  The laundry-closet is one of many featured rooms on the Walker Woodworking profile site at Houzz.com and is how the Wall Street Journal found Walker Woodworking.

This particular laundry room closet combination has had over 454,787 impressions and over 5,193 adds to idea-books on Houzz in just the last year. Houzz is a website and online community about architecture, interior design and decorating, landscape design and home improvements.

With permission of the homeowner, we gave the WSJ the homeowner’s information and she was contacted for an interview. Shortly after being contacted, a photo shoot was scheduled at the home.

WSJ photographer getting photos of laundry-closet.

WSJ photographer getting photos of laundry-closet.

It’s not every day you can say your home was photographed and videoed by The Wall Street Journal, but that is exactly what happened to Mrs. Ellie Cartner.  At Walker Woodworking we are equally excited to say our cabinets have been featured in The Wall Street Journal.

We want to thank Mrs. Cartner and her family for allowing us and the WSJ into her home.

Click here to view our Houzz profile.

Click here to see the article from The Wall Street Journal – be sure to click the photo to see the video.

We also have this home featured on our website. Click here to see the photo gallery.

Today’s Laundry Rooms

Laundry rooms today are a HUGE deal to homeowners.  They are becoming the central work station for all members of the household.  

Design and function are important in the beginnings stages of new construction or a remodel.  With the many functions you can have in a laundry room, taking advantage of space is a MUST. Organized clean up can save you time.

Today the options are endless on the items that can be built into a custom laundry room:

  •    Docking drawers for technology devices, phones, tablets, etc.
  •    Desk area with mail sorters and dividers for family members.
  •    Built in message center with chalkboards or bulletin boards.
  •    Cabinetry positioned at a comfortable folding height.
  •    Built in storage bins for laundry sorters.
  •    Hanging rods for dedicates to dry, as well as pull out drying drawers with screens for sweaters and such.
  •    Pet centers are also being incorporated into the laundry rooms, with storage bins for food, beds, and feeding areas.
  •    Personal lockers for each family member to store book bags, coats & shoes.
  •    Craft supply storage, rods for wrapping paper & ribbon.

The possibilities are endless, especially with custom cabinetry. Good design and planning should start prior to construction to make the most out of your space, this will also save you time and money.

Wash, dry & repeat!  Laundry is a never ending thing in any house, so why not enjoy the command center of your home, with useful amenities, and beautiful cabinetry!

Thanks for taking time to read about our 5 minutes of fame, it was certainly an honor for us at Walker Woodworking. Jan Blanton – Walker Woodworking

Sam & Kim Kitchen Remodel

Sam & Kim’s Kitchen Remodel

In 2015, Sam and Kim decided to move back to Sam’s former home and update their kitchen. Enlisting the help of Walker Woodworking and Tony Brooks of Beam Edwards & Brooks, this kitchen remodel became an amazing transformation from an enclosed kitchen to an open floor plan. Follow this link to see the complete before & after photo gallery.

before-after-side-by-side

Walker Woodworking Before & After

Returning Home

Sam’s family moved into this house in 1962 as its first owners. Over the years the home was remodeled several times. Multiple additions included adding a master bedroom, enclosing the carport to build a playroom, and adding a sunroom. Sam along with his brother Al and his sister Andrea grew up there. Many children through the years considered it their home while Sam’s mom ran a daycare until the mid 80’s.

Growing up in the home the formal living room was used only on special occasions or to take family photo. The 7 grandchildren considered this their second home and have fond memories of playing and being loved there.

After Sam’s mother’s death, his father continued to live in the house and host weekly Sunday Dinner for the family. After his dad’s death the house was vacant except for grandchildren sometimes living there.

Planning & Design:

In working with Tony Brooks, a plan was formed to open up the formal living room and convert to an open floor plan. The playroom was converted to a den for use during construction.

After a desire for the open floor plan was determined they met at Walker Woodworking with kitchen and bath designer, Brandon Fitzmorris, to complete the kitchen design. Brandon was able to plan out the space for optimized cooking and storage. Since this will be their forever home, they wanted to make the space as functional as possible. One of the design challenges was to achieve seating at the peninsula while still maintaining the feel of an open floor plan. We were able to accomplish this through team work with the general contractor by incorporating a pass through to the living room.

The process:

Demo – Demolition started and cabinets came out. Site prep was done by adding a protective floor covering to prevent damage and a dust barrier to the existing living space.

Kitchen-remodel-before-tearout

Before demo started

Kitchen-remodel-before-picture

This double door was made into a single pocket door to add wall space for the kitchen area.

Kitchen-tear-out

Walls that needed new sheet-rock & finish work after cabinets were removed.

Construction – A wall was removed and carpet from the living room came out. Hardwood was added to the kitchen and den and matched up to the existing hardwood in the living room, a treasure hidden beneath the carpet. The end result was seamless, there is nothing left of the previous wall separating the formal living room from the kitchen.

Kitchen-remodel-during-renovation

Kitchen wall and living room after the wall was removed and the header added.

Plumbing & Electrical – The next part of the process was to update plumbing & electrical. By using our preplanned CAD drawings, the subcontractors were able to quickly and efficiently make the necessary changes to the updated kitchen layout.

Sheetrock & Primary Painting – Sheetrock repair and primary painting is definitely an expectation with an extensive remodel like this one.  The wall that needed to be removed was a load bearing wall. We had to build a header across the room and sheetrock that area.

Cabinet Install – Usually a 2 day process for a kitchen similar to this one. Our trucks show up full of cabinets, already assembled including the decorative hardware. One of the things that we do differently than most companies is to apply the toe kicks after the floors are finished. In most cases this eliminates the need for shoe-moulding.  This will give the cabinets more of a finished furniture style.

cabinet-install

Walker Woodworking – Cabinetry Install

Counter-tops – Typically counter-tops are ready for the template after the cabinets are installed. Once the template has been done, it will typically take 1 to 2 weeks before the tops are ready to install. Each fabricator is different. Granite can be installed in a kitchen like this usually in half a day.

Appliances – In most situations appliances will go in after the counter-tops.  Every project is unique and having professionals that realize the importance of when certain things should happen is important for a smooth remodel. This will also help to ensure that cabinets, flooring and counter-tops are not damaged  during the process.

The Finishing Touches – The last few things that need to be done include the tile back splash, final coat of paint, and the final sanding & finishing of the floors.

Kitchen-remodel-white-cabinets

Be sure you see all of the before & after photo’s in our Before & After Photo Gallery.

“Both Tony and the team at Walker Woodworking  held our hand through the process, which at some times was emotional because of the changes being made to the family home. The end result was more than we could have ever dreamed possible.The remodel was completed in time for us to continue family traditions of Thanksgiving & Christmas in the home.” ~ Kim Davis

Kitchen-&-Home-renovation-with-family

The open space was once a wall that extended the entire length of the room.

Kitchen-remodel-after-with-family-in-kitchen

These guys can still see whats going on the living room.

Family-by-christmas-tree

This home will be enjoyed for many years & future generations to come.

We would like to thank Sam & Kim for allowing us to share their story. Follow this link to see the complete before & after photo gallery.

A Farm House Renovation Project

A farm house of almost 200 years has been renovated with a new look and new technology; however, the character of the home remains unharmed.

A young couple took on a three-year project to completely renovate an old farmhouse, bringing new life to the aging piece of history.  Walker Woodworking was excited to be a part of their renovation.  The couple focused on handmade American products when selecting details for their home, and the cabinetry was no different.

Although most of the original house remained intact, Jason & Erin Metcalf had dreams of adding a kitchen to their 1840 circa farm house.  The original home did not come equipped with a kitchen.

Throughout the years, different owners had made some upgrades to the home that included adding a small kitchen. The first step of the renovation the Metcalf’s made was to remove the part of the house that had been added on. They then began construction for their own detailed additions while leaving the original part of the home intact.

As with any remodel, the design phase can be most difficult due to the fact that you are working  around existing beams and structures that must stay intact. The original structure of the home had no nails or screws but had been constructed using wooden peg joints, the Metcalf’s wanted those beams to be exposed where possible. The kitchen area was greatly affected by the exposed beams since they were load bearing and would be right in the middle of the kitchen.Metcalf beam

The Walker Woodworking team took on the design challenge while working closely with the Metcalf’s to achieve their desire to have a state of the art kitchen that would display beauty, originality and function in their updated farm house. Other challenges existed in the actual construction  and installation of the cabinetry due to uneven walls,  and flooring, The beams located in the kitchen were also out of square which made it difficult to place cabinetry right next to them.

After the architectural portion of the project was completed, the cabinetry, appliances and other finishing touches were integrated into the almost 200 year-old home to achieve a modernized kitchen.IMG_4607

The overall cabinet designs feature a classic white color with streamlined door styles. The blending of clean lines, square posts, and a simple square hood design all add to the clean farmhouse look.  Mullioned antique glass doors to display dishes, and open shelves were a couple of customized features in this kitchen. Other design elements that were added help transition the old with new, including:  Quartzite counter-tops, slate and glass tile, a farm sink, and metallic casting pendant lamps.IMG_4579

Visit the Farm House Portfolio to see more pictures from this project.

For more pictures and information on the overall project you may visit the Metcalf’s personal blog page.

Do you have a kitchen that needs updating or a unique project such as remodeling on old farm house? Let Walker Woodworking help you make that dream a reality! Contact us today, our estimates are always free.

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