Renovating a kitchen is no small feat, especially in the middle of a pandemic. These homeowners turned an ordeal into opportunity.

Shawn Aversa and Jamie McAdams know design. They own the Lawrenceville shop and event collective Von Walter + Funk, which is named after their maternal grandmothers. The exuberant business is a “modern day mercantile” with ever-changing offerings, everything from balloon bouquets to custom pendant lamps to eclectic home, garden, and apothecary items.

When it came time to renovate the kitchen in their 120-year-old Highland Park home, the goal was to create “a functional, usable space that was really modern and works with how we use a kitchen today,” says Aversa. At the same time, they wanted to honor the house’s original Victorian vibe.

There was, however, a major detour along the way. Nearly nine months into the project, the Covid-19 lockdown forced a complete work stoppage. For four months, they made do with a very basic, but habitable, in-progress room, using space heaters and running extension cords out of a hole in the floor. “Not ideal to not have a kitchen in the middle of a pandemic,” says Aversa. “But, in a way, we had this chance that a lot of people don’t have. Normally, you’re solving problems super fast. It was a blessing in disguise to pause and really re-evaluate.”

During the downtime, one thing became glaringly apparent: the wall separating the kitchen from the rest of the first floor had to go. Uncertain if the major pivot would be possible, Aversa and McAdams broached the subject with their team, which included kitchen designer Michael Bonato of Jacob Evans Kitchen & Bath Design, architect Jeffrey Wetzel of AE7, and contractor Mark Labella of Century Interiors, Inc. Together, they made it all happen, working through “a very large, thick masonry exterior wall and one fireplace left in place above the opening we created,” says Labella. Two steel beams were installed within the wall to reinforce the structure.

It was a definite turning point. Not only did it cut a clear sight line to the front of the house bringing a sense of breathing room and openness, but it also created an inviting flow, ideal for entertaining. “It was the best decision we ever made,” says Aversa.

“Compared to the old home’s very segmented lifestyle to what it is now, [the finished product] is transformational,” says Labella. Kitchen designer Michael Bonato agrees, commenting, “I love working with clients who are creative and can think outside the box.”

The final plans expanded the kitchen area into a bright and welcoming 15 x 15-foot room, along with a 21 x 18-foot addition. As desired, the kitchen is designed in a way that “creates cohesion between the existing home and the new, more modern, more open space,” says Bonato.

The layout emphasizes aesthetics as well as organization. Integrated appliances deliver a streamlined look. Lidded, built-in dog food bins make storage and feeding easy. The island’s power outlets feature USB ports for convenient charging. There is even a drawer-mounted knife block insert and pull-out unit for spices and cooking oils next to the rangetop, both providing easy access while cooking. The large pantry cabinet is equipped with roll-out shelves and a storage space designed to house and charge a cordless vacuum. A tall, integrated wine column and a faucet that dispenses chilled, filtered water complete the bar area.

As interior designer for the space, Aversa worked with Bonato to find the right look and feel for fixtures and finishes, including custom cabinetry by Mouser Cabinetry, hardware from Top Knobs, a Blanco sink, Brizo faucet, and Pella windows and doors. The white-veined black marble countertops from Primo Marble & Granite feature a custom sheen. “Not a high-gloss polish and not a dull, honed finish, but right in-between,” says Bonato.

Aversa’s favorite element is the striking floor. “A true terrazzo floor wasn’t going to be an option, so we did a lot of research,” says Bonato. They landed on a terrazzo-inspired porcelain tile. It’s complemented by the cabinetry, which has with a unique, soft-touch finish. “It feels really sleek and smooth, and it’s extremely durable and easy to maintain.”

The décor is enlivened by touches that pop with color and life. With a neutral palette and surfaces that, on their own, could feel cold, the challenge was how to keep things playful and warm. Aversa’s solution was to incorporate a few unexpected details, such as the light fixtures’ neon green cords and a perfectly pink door.

“We made some interesting decisions after we had some time in the space and saw how we felt in there,” says Aversa of the pandemic-induced pause. “We’re both super busy all the time, [so] in this sort of sanctuary, in a place we’re looking to relax and unwind, [we asked]: what brought us joy? What brought us happiness?” Worthy questions for all of us to consider when making our house feel like home.

vonwalterandfunk.com

Architect: Jeffrey Wetzel

Kitchen Design: Jacob Evans Kitchen & Bath Design

Kitchen Cabinetry: Mouser Cabinetry

Interior Design: Von Walter + Funk

Contractor: Century Interiors, Inc.

APPLIANCES SOURCED BY DON’S APPLIANCES

Thermador 30-inch Double Built-In Oven  

Thermador 36-inch Gas Rangetop  

Thermador 36-Inch Built-In French Door Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

Thermador 24-Inch Microdrawer® Microwave

 Thermador 18-Inch Built-In Wine Preservation Column Refrigerator