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Glenside Kitchen Renovation
Client: Fran & Jim Crotty
Location: Glenside, PA
Project Manager: Niko Dyshniku
This job constituted a true meeting of the minds.
As we work with most clients, a learning curve comes into play. While people can see the beauty of reclaimed material when we finish with it, the process is a scary one. And understandably so. Materials arrive from all points with an intriguing look – but not necessarily looking like something you would want in your house.
Fran Crotty spared us having to educate at the same time as we built – a feat not unlike juggling a hammer, pencil, a nail and a piece of paper. And Jim, her husband, put absolute faith in her vision, despite having to leave the house for extended periods while it came to fruition.
Before we even arrived on site, Fran had been stockpiling salvaged glass, doors, cabinetry, sconces, and more. And with a discerning eye. She needed only to find someone to put it together for her.
This is where Niko came in. Using his own unique design sense, he managed to take the puzzle pieces Fran had squirreled away and put together nothing less than a work of art.
The bathroom and dining room make use of salvage pressed tin. The dining room connects to the kitchen with salvaged butler's pantries we rebuilt in the shop. Reclaimed and re–cut green glass, reclaimed carcasses for the cabinetry, reclaimed facing, rails and stiles, a reclaimed sink, and original salvaged pine stand out in the kitchen. The countertops are slate, while all the subway and green tile is reclaimed from the Divine Lorraine in Philadelphia, as well as other points.
We'd like to hire Fran as a consultant. Paired perhaps with Nanette Forti, who lives down the street, the two could make a huge splash in sourcing material. In the meantime we leave them with houses that have become expressions of their own visions. And we thank our lucky stars we had the opportunity to become part of the process of bringing this vision into life.
Client Testimonial
"Fran had a vision for what she wanted for the first floor remodel of our 1920's home. Other contractors were unable to grasp the core of our ideas. Greensaw Design & Build not only made our dreams come to life, but, over the course of the renovation, they became true partners in the building process. They encouraged the use of salvaged materials, and were genuinely excited when Fran located the various pieces for our remodel. Their skills and talent are unmatched.
Greensaw engaged constantly with us as homeowners, listening to our desires and meeting all of our expectations! The respect they showed for our home and wishes was refreshing.
In the end, the renovation felt nothing so much as like working alongside a trusted friend."
— Fran & Jim Crotty
In The News:
This project was recently featured as the cover story on GRID Magazine's March 2010 issue. |
