Sculpted by Nature, Shaped by Design

How a love for the outdoors shaped a kitchen remodel that is as functional as it is breathtaking.

A beautiful kitchen is a work of art. Entering a space that truly takes your breath away with its beauty, one can’t help but think about the intention behind it. Crafting a unique and inspiring space takes artisanship and vision, just as any work of art would.

When Bill and Janet Bathurst decided to reimagine their kitchen, they knew they wanted to transform the space into just such a thing. To accomplish this lofty feat, the Bathursts enlisted the help of Kaitlyn Bumgarner of VL Builders to create a kitchen in what the designer describes as a “transitional craftsman” style.

“Bill and Janet approached me with a goal of refreshing a 20-year-old kitchen

that they have loved and used, keeping with a nature-inspired look without losing

uniqueness,” says Kaitlyn. “I learned through conversation that they loved cherry wood and unique stones and accents. One goal was to tie into their custom island pendants, which reflected fish swimming through a stream.”

The Bathursts’ home sits in a cul-de-sac on the western fringe of the metro area, with a direct view of the nearby lake. Undeveloped natural areas surround the home, and bringing the feeling of that untamed space indoors in a way that still felt refined and elegant would require a delicate balance. “We have always tried to bring nature and water themes into our home,” says Bill. “We focused on nature and tried hard to bring that into our home.”

Natural stained cherry wood cabinets and earth-toned imported granite

countertops nailed the feeling the Bathursts were looking for, creating a

comforting, outdoorsy vibe. A custom granite backsplash carved into a mountain

scene sits behind the cooktop, adding to the rustic feel, as if sculpted by nature.

“Bill and Janet have a lovely backyard and garden full of sweat, love, and determination. A truly prized space that comes to life differently through each season,” says Kaitlyn. “From the first meeting, I could tell they have a passion for nature and enjoying it.”

Central to the remodel was a desire for a more efficient use of the hard-to-reach areas of the kitchen, and that included installing glass doors along the top row of the kitchen’s cabinetry. This simple choice transformed the otherwise inaccessible and underutilized area into a display space, imbuing the kitchen with the feeling of an art gallery. The stunning, hand-blown glass light fixtures hanging

over the kitchen island only deepen this feeling.

Beauty is one thing, but a kitchen with a stunning aesthetic would be nothing

without functionality. On that front, the Bathursts decided to install a suite

of Miele appliances, chosen because of their satisfaction with the brand during a

previous project.

A sleek, obsidian black convection wall oven, featuring a large touch display and a proximity sensor that automatically activates the oven light when someone approaches, serves as the centerpiece appliance. The oven has a plethora of novel features for expert baking and roasting, including an internal camera that can be accessed with a smartphone via the Miele app. The larger oven is paired with the

30-inch compact speed oven, which features a dedicated internal temperature probe, a variety of specialty baking modes, and microwave capabilities.

The Bathursts selected a 36-inch induction cooktop crowned by Miele’s innovative Shape wall hood in obsidian black. Designed with an angled profile for added headroom, the hood combines form and function seamlessly. The look is completed by the one-of-a-kind granite backsplash, carved into the silhouette of a mountain range.

A spacious Miele panel-ready built-in refrigerator and freezer provide the kitchen with 25 cubic feet of food storage, featuring multiple temperature zones

and push-to-open doors. Both utilize color touch displays, ensuring easy monitoring of internal temperatures. Cherry wood panels on the door allow the refrigerator to blend elegantly into the surrounding cabinetry.

Rounding out the stylish Miele appliances is an AutoDos dishwasher. The dishwasher’s interior features a versatile configuration that accommodates a variety of specialty dishes. The model also features a shortened and intensified

wash cycle that can have dishes cleaned in under an hour, as well as an automatically opening door to assist in drying when the cycle is complete.

The kitchen evokes the charm of an artist’s retreat in the woods, where

the energy of the natural world flows effortlessly indoors. It is art, but it is also a

home. It is cozy, yet classic in its beauty. “This kitchen can stand the test of

time in both function and beauty,” says Kaitlyn. “How can you not enjoy a

cup of coffee while sitting at a window overlooking mountains and water, or

seeing your hard work come to life over the seasons below you with blooming

roses, sprouting peas and fish swimming in the ponds?”

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VL Builders, based in Lakewood, CO, is a design-build residential remodel

company dedicated to creating custom kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and whole-home transformations. Founded in 2017, they set out to solve common remodeling challenges by delivering functional, beautiful spaces that evolve with a family’s needs while keeping projects on time and on budget. Their full-service, detail-oriented process begins with listening to their clients,

developing a tailored budget and guiding each project to completion with clear

communication, transparent pricing and meticulous craftsmanship, all backed by a two-year workmanship warranty. Fully licensed and Lead/EPA certified, VL Builders has earned a reputation for creating stunning remodels that stand the test of time. But beyond design and construction, they care for your home as if it were their own, transforming spaces so life’s most meaningful moments can unfold with ease and joy. www.vlbuilders.com

Sculpted by Nature