Photos courtesy of Erotas Custom Building
The initial meeting to discuss renovating an Edina couple’s mid-century rambler began with warm, fresh baked cookies and custom coffee. Chuck is an Epicurean chef and Vicki an amateur bartender—together they are the ultimate hosts. Their plan was to update two bathrooms and build an addition for a kitchen and bar where they could entertain side-by-side.
When the pricing came back at an untenable level, they changed direction—taking to scissors and glue. They took the drawing plan for the addition and pasted it right in the middle of their existing footprint, keeping the structure intact.
The interior of the home was dark and closed off, with inadequate lighting and overgrown landscaping that blocked sight lines from the windows. Removing virtually all walls on the main floor was exactly what the space needed to bring life into the home.
Their architect delivered an improved design with structural beams, redesigned windows and reconfigured spaces, and Erotas Custom Building made it all happen within their budget.
“The most innovative details of the kitchen renovation came from the clients,” says Tom Hendrickson, President and Owner of Erotas Custom Building. “Their island sink was a huge challenge, as the client wanted a completely flush surface. They found a flat faucet that we had the stone top fabricator make a flush pocket for. Our plumber called to the inspector for a brainstorming session that allowed a faucet that works from foot pedals. Our team worked hard to make their idea a reality. No one else has a faucet like that!”
Chuck’s hot zone was laid out so he could cook and serve food alongside Vicki’s drinks from the wet bar. “They never have a reason to bump into each other or get in each other’s way,” Tom adds. The wet bar features floating open glass shelves for barware and bottles with easy access from the kitchen island or the dining room table.
An accordion window brings in fresh air, with a wall-to-wall opening that looks out over the outdoor dining room and deck. Additionally, a hidden rolling cabinet can be pulled out to access serveware and cutlery from anywhere in the kitchen.
The real focal point of the kitchen is the wood burning oven with an acid washed steel surround that has been meticulously patinaed. “It’s a unique kitchen. There’s no other kitchen like it in our community,” Chuck boasts.
Chuck and Vicki were very pleased with the level of craftsmanship and their experience with Erotas. Vicki said, “from that first meeting, we never met with another builder. Their integrity is impeccable and that just came through over our first coffee conversation.”
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