Lake House Luxury

Jennifer Gilmer, renowned for her luxury kitchen and bath designs, combines meticulous attention to detail with a focus on her clients' vision. Through her firm, Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath, she transforms spaces with custom designs and flawless execution. See how she and her team turned a modern lake house kitchen into a contemporary haven, perfect for gathering around the island and entertaining at the bar.

Tell us about the vision for this kitchen renovation.

The existing kitchen was outdated, overly traditional, and didn’t complement the architecture. The clients wanted a more spacious, contemporary design that highlighted key features, such as the angled ceiling, skylight, and beam details. It was important to integrate the ceiling into the entire composition and to replace the competing wood floor with darker, wide-plank flooring, which helped to emphasize the expansive space above.

Did any unique challenges arise during the renovation process?

A drywall chase behind the double ovens created a disjointed look, so it was transformed into a design feature with figured ash cladding and an integrated refrigerator. Attaching a hood to the angled ceiling while keeping the cooktop in place required careful planning. The beam above the window, which ended abruptly at the doorway, was extended to the far-right wall, becoming a unique and cohesive design element.

Walk us through the journey with the homeowners, from initial consultation to the final reveal.

I had previously designed their D.C. kitchen, along with interior designer Vivian Braunohler so we understood the homeowners' modern aesthetic. The proposed plan reconfigured the refrigerator, added a stainless “box” hood, and featured a post-modern island that the homeowners loved. While a secondary island was initially suggested, Vivian wisely advised against it to maintain an open breakfast area. The collaboration resulted in a beautifully cohesive space.

What standout materials or features elevate the space?

The refrigerator column, crafted from figured European white ash, is a showstopper. The stainless steel splayed legs under the island are another unique detail. Glass cabinets with white back-painted panels and aluminum frames add a sleek touch, while bi-fold doors at the bar maximize counter space when open.

What advice would you give to homeowners considering a similar kitchen renovation?

Transformations like this require experience, skill, and vision. To bring your ideas to life, partner with a designer who thinks outside the box. Scroll down to check out the before-and-after photos!

Were there any special inspirations or personal touches that the homeowners wanted to see in their new kitchen?

The homeowners’ collection of inspiration photos helped narrow their style, with a standout being a copper countertop they loved. This became a personalized feature in the bar area.

What part of the finished kitchen are you most proud of, and why?

The entire kitchen is a source of pride, especially the unique island and the transformed oven area. The drywall chase was initially an eyesore, and the clients were hesitant about the large column proposed during design meetings, but they were thrilled with the final result. These challenging elements, brought to life with the help of Premier Custom Built, Inc. and architect Nancy McCarren, elevate the space beautifully.