HOLMDEL, NJ Having too much space can be as much of challenge as having too little space. Indeed, bigger isn't always better, as in the case of this kitchen remodel.

According to Michelle Warnken, owner/designer of Michelle Warnken Designs Inc. in Long Branch, NJ, "The sheer size of the room was the biggest challenge of all. The original space was 13.4'x23.75', which was expanded to 25.6'x23.75'. It included the remodeling and lengthening of the kitchen and an addition that pushed out the back of the house. The new space also had to accommodate a larger laundry room, three-quarter bath, office and break-fast area."

Warnken was tapped to take on this remodel/addition project by the homeowners, a young couple with two pre-adolescent children. She worked primarily with the wife, since she was the one who ran the household and did most of the cooking.

The sole designer on the project, Warnken was able to give the wife everything she wanted from all new, rather large professional-style appliances right down to the details on the Yorktowne semi-custom cabinetry because of the size of the room. However, she says, it was not easy, despite the great amount of space.

"In a large space, you worry about how you fill it all and still make it look good and feel cozy," relates Warnken, who saw her first opportunity to do this in the wife's appliance request.

FUNCTIONAL FILLING

Hence, her plan began with the appliances, which not only provided the function the wife was seeking, but also helped to fill the space nicely.

To that end, she first installed a 48" gas Viking range with six burners and a griddle. A custom mantel hood with a Best by Broan blower unit sits atop, creating a functional focal point.

To the left, she placed a 48" Sub-Zero refrigerator. To the right, on the next wall, she placed a Miele dishwasher next to the main, double-bowl Blanco sink and Rohl faucet.

Warnken did install a microwave, but since the wife was not a big microwave user, she tucked it away in the island opposite the refrigerator and range. Next to it, she hid a Viking warming drawer.

Warnken also reworked the kitchen's original bar area to include a Viking bar refrigerator and U-Line Corp. icemaker.

GETTING IT JUST RIGHT

With a place for all of the many appliances set, Warnken addressed the next challenge: cabinetry placement and detail.