English Cottage
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Jean Stoffer
Jean Stoffer Design Ltd.
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2015-2016 KDC Finalist


“Constraints are the fuel of creativity!”
That’s the cheerful mantra of designer Jean Stoffer, in talking about the significant obstacles she had to overcome in modernizing a 1932 brick English cottage she and her husband own. They are empty nesters with several children and six young grandchildren, most of whom live nearby, so they needed a more open gathering space with a kitchen capable of preparing meals for big, rambunctious groups.
The biggest limitations in the project were structural. Typical of its era, the cottage had small, low-ceilinged rooms not ideal for large family groups. Jean’s crew had to incorporate beams and posts to hold up the roof, after taking out interior walls to open up the space. They had to add a ridge beam and sister roof rafters in order to vault part of the kitchen ceiling. There was also a steel beam to work around. Plus they had to keep the exact window opening in the original dining room – now part of the kitchen – which left almost no options for full-size refrigeration.
Then there was the matter of creating a fully functioning space while still preserving (or even enhancing) the character of the cottage. The kitchen blends the best of the old and new. Jean used wood reclaimed from a local barn for the floors and ceiling beams – each board was sorted, cleaned, and milled onsite. Other materials were new, but with timeless appeal: casement windows that push out, elm wood island countertop, glazed textured brick tiles, English sink and taps. No recessed can lights, obviously – unlacquered brass and iron lighting fixtures contribute to the vintage charm.
The range alcove gives a nod to a more modern design, with the flush, darkly stained walnut hood panel. The marble molding surrounding the alcove makes it look almost like a framed painting. Again, an ingenious way to bring in modern functionality while remaining in character with the cottage.
There was only 39” of space available on the east wall of the kitchen, so the Sub-Zero 30” integrated refrigerator and freezer with its slim profile and the way it disappeared into the design made it a lifesaver. Sub-Zero 36” undercounter refrigerator drawers in the island were also critical, keeping beverages closer to the dining area of the kitchen and out of the cooking zone.
As for the Wolf 36” gas range and convection steam oven, Jean calls them “the absolute perfect combination for a serious cook who has limited space and budget.” Not to mention those who have to come up with imaginative menu choices to satisfy a large, demanding family.
The English Cottage is a project of major complications, but of course it was a labor of love for Jean. Now it will be a delightful family hub for many years to come, with its charm and character preserved for new generations to enjoy.
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Concours de conception de cuisine 2010-2012
Nous félicitons tous les participants pour leur excellent travail. Les gagnants ont partagé leurs visions et leurs défis lors de la conception de cuisines avec la réfrigération encastrée ou intégrée de Sub-Zero et l'équipement de Wolf comme principales directives de conception.

- Gagnants globaux
- Gagnants régionaux au Canada et aux É.-U.
- Gagnants régionaux internationaux
1ère place style traditionnel
Prix de 40 000 $
1ère place style contemporain
Prix de 40 000 $
2e place tout style
Prix de 20 000 $
3e place tout style
Prix de 10 000 $
Prix Choix des concepteurs
Prix de 15 000 $
Prix Choix du public
Prix de 15 000 $
Les gagnants régionaux du Canada et des États-Unis sont reconnus pour le meilleur usage des produits Sub-Zero, Wolf, et Cove dans la cuisine.
Les prix comprennent :
- un voyage pour deux, pour chaque gagnant régional, à la conférence et au gala de remise des prix du Concours de conception de cuisine à Madison au Wisconsin.
- Un programme national et en ligne de relations publiques pour les gagnants régionaux.
- De la publicité personnalisée et une trousse de marketing pour chaque gagnant régional.
Voir les gagnants régionaux au Canada et aux É.-U.
Les gagnants régionaux internationaux sont reconnus pour le meilleur usage des produits Sub-Zero, Wolf, et Cove dans la cuisine.
Les prix comprennent :
- un voyage pour deux, pour chaque gagnant régional, à la conférence et au gala de remise des prix du Concours de conception de cuisine à Madison au Wisconsin.
- Un programme national et en ligne de relations publiques pour les gagnants régionaux.
- De la publicité personnalisée et une trousse de marketing pour chaque gagnant régional.
Voir les gagnants régionaux internationaux