A renovation and expansion of a private residence in Upland, CA, included the creation of a high-end gourmet kitchen - complete with granite countertops. The stone, combined with the rich woodwork and stainless steel appliances, made an elegant statement in the space.

“It's an old home that was built back in the 1950s,” said Doug Lainson of Kitchens & Stone Design Center in Upland, CA, the stone fabricator and installer for the project. “The property itself is amazing. There are several acres. But the house needed a major remodel. They added significant square footage to the home, so they decided to design their dream kitchen.”

The kitchen alone comprises about 600 square feet of the entire residence. “It's huge,” said Lainson. “There is almost 300 square feet of granite, including a massive wet bar. We were brought in with the designers to give them what they were looking for - everything had to be stone.”

In addition to the cooking area, the expansion included the addition of an entertainment room - complete with a billiards table. Lainson explained that there is a nook that separates this area from the rest of the kitchen. The whole space is “L” shaped.

The maple-colored cabinetry and hardwood floor in the kitchen is accented by the warm blend of colors in the stone countertops. The homeowners selected Santa Cecilia granite, which feature various shades of beige and gold. The countertops were given a bullnose edge.

According to Lainson, he met the homeowners at a large stone importer in the area to choose the stone. “They wanted special things done,” he said, explaining that inserts were made in the granite for fancy decorative tile. Further enhancing the sophisticated look of the kitchen is a backsplash made of a combination of 6- x 6-inch tiles of granite and travertine, which were accented in some areas by decorative travertine pieces.

In total, the installation of the stonework took about a little over three weeks to complete. “We were working hand-in-hand with the cabinetry guys,” said Lainson. “They would put one section in, and then we would install the granite.”

The fabricator explained that working along the side of the cabinetry installers was the most efficient way and reduced the risk of any obstacles. “By working directly with them, it was pretty straight forward,” he said, explaining that with other jobs where his installers have come in after the cabinets have been installed, they sometimes run into problems. “I don't like to do it that way.”

Once the project was completed, all those involved were happy with the results. “It went very smoothly,” said Lainson. “The homeowners are thrilled.