Chern Kitchen Project
Jeff & Jacqueline Chern Bontempi Cucine Kitchen Makeover
“Kitchens are the hub of a home. It’s where we get nourished and energized to start the day, and where we gather together at the end of the day. It’s important we get it right for our clients, that we create a space where they feel comfortable and can stay connected as a family.” Cantoni kitchen specialist, Scott Bonds
The Chern's admit they let their cats Oreo and Ethel rule their house with iron paws. So when the their pesky feline friends destroyed the bedroom dresser, Jeff & Jacqueline decided it was time for a change and headed to Cantoni Dallas to look for replacement furniture. Their shopping excursion not only led to an overhaul of their bedroom and bath—but a complete remodel of the kitchen, too. (Check out the stunning "before" and "after" photos.) 
The couple had briefly considered selling their home (built in 1995), “but ultimately we knew this house fit our needs, so we decided to turn it into our dream home,” explains Jacqueline. After thoroughly researching the options, and consulting with designer Elizabeth Lewis and Scott Bonds (Cantoni’s in-house kitchen specialist), the couple decided to go Italian. “From the start, Scott and I recognized the architecture of the residence was not contemporary,” acknowledges Elizabeth, “so we knew it was essential for us to work with the integrity of the structure.”
After the four collaborators discussed potential flooring, material, and layout possibilities, Scott and Elizabeth sent the dimensions to Bontempi, in Italy. “They came back with amazing life-like renderings that proved to be dead-on,” says Scott.
In the end (or rather the beginning), the floor was replaced, a structural column removed and a wall pushed back to create the artfully clean kitchen complete with Miele and Thermador appliances. “I think the rising vent (coming from behind the gas stovetop) is so unique and functional,” says Jeff, “and not having a traditional overhead version makes the room much more open.”
“Truthfully, the money part scared me at first,” admits Jeff, “but we had worked with Cantoni before, Elizabeth and Scott knew their stuff, and nothing went wrong. And I can be pretty hard-core about certain things,” he adds with a chuckle. “I’d say if other projects go even 90% as well as ours did, clients will be glad they chose Cantoni.”
With a new kitchen in place, their son now a senior in high school, and the cat somewhat under control, the Chern’s say cooking, entertaining and eating at home has never been more enjoyable.
Click Link below for more on:
• New Feature: Chern VLog (Video of the Chern’s discussing their Kitchen project with Elizabeth and Scott)
Photos by David DeLeon.
