Kitchens sell homes. But, for Jill and Stan Myers, putting their house on the market was the last thing on their minds when they decided to renovate their kitchen. Their foremost thought was to create a space where they could host their large, close-knit family for holidays and celebrations.Their kitchen, where Jill has cooked up many a feast, has served as the gathering place for family occasions.
Ross Lignitz is a native Manhattanite and third generation general contractor. In 2011, he founded Ross Lignitz Construction, where he assists homeowners in creating a vision for their dream home or renovation. He works hands-on with his team to make those dreams a reality.
For the Myers’ renovation, Ross and his team began by gutting the existing kitchen and removing two bedrooms and the laundry room. After adding a 450 square foot addition to the home, his team relocated the kitchen to take advantage of the new space.
The remodeled kitchen now features quartz countertops, handcrafted cabinetry from Custom Wood Products, and hardwood floors from Canterbury Floor and Home. The kitchen island features a mix of materials: the white quartz is anchored by the walnut wood of the base. The centerpiece of the new kitchen design is the stunning poplar nickel gap ceiling, which gives the kitchen a bright, airy feel.
In addition to the kitchen remodel, Ross’ team created a mudroom, enlarged the dining room, and built a large, partially covered deck.
Ross’s biggest advice for homeowners looking to start their own renovation? Don’t rush.
“The initial vision can completely change by the time you get to the final product,” Ross says.
The company schedules out projects up to ten months in advance, and Ross says that many people refine their vision between the original ideation stage and the finished design.
“It is really rewarding helping people custom design their homes from the initial meeting to seeing the final product.”
After all, there's no place like home.
