treat. A barrel vault arch graciously and unobtrusively leads from the kitchen to a bedroom wing, replacing an unwieldy hallway that provided no privacy. Paul and Kristi added their own touch to the project, saving a bundle in the process. Tile work, lighting and backsplash, among other touches, were their handiwork, as was the massive faux copper hood. When Tamasy recommended a large copper hood above the range, the couple, loving the idea but not the price tag of $8,000, opted for a hard foam “hood” faux- finished in copper tones. Paul added the copper rivets and the decorative metal work around the hood. The result cleverly mimics the real thing at a fraction of the cost. Harris’ keen eye coordinated the many color elements, including the huge granite slab on the made-for-entertaining kitchen island that winds its way across the large space. “It was a very unusual run,” says Harris of the granite. To anchor the island visually without creating actual boundaries, Harris suggested a metallic copper ceiling that delineates the shape of the island and the colors found on the granite countertop. Here, too, the Dupres saved money by tackling the job on their own. “We found the copper at Lowe’s and installed it ourselves,” says Kristi. A pleasant bonus from the remodel came in the form of the formerly neglected formal dining room, now open to the kitchen and very much a center of activity. “We didn’t use the dining room at all before, but now we use it all the time,” says Kristi. The remodel constituted months of hard work and plenty of inconveniences, including makeshift metal pantry shelving in their family room. Would Paul and Kristi do it again? “No, but we did it right, so we don’t have to do it again,” explains Kristi. n
Left: Tamasy’s design incorporated a new doorway that leads to a bedroom wing. The pocket door provides privacy and separates the kitchen from the living area. Granite countertops by Brevard Stone. Above: By relocating an outside door Tamasy’s design found space to accommodate the Wolf convection microwave and single ovens, as well as the Miele coffeemaker that was important to Kristi.
91
spaces