The Challenge 

This 1994 kitchen had gone nearly 30 years without an update. Shallow brown cabinets hung low on the wall, an oversized fluorescent fixture in the middle of the room served as the main source of light, and tile floors with decorative divots that collected dirt made this kitchen feel dark, cramped and cold. The goal: to create a warm, welcoming kitchen with a clean, timeless design and improved functionality for modern living.

The Design Solution 

We kept the existing layout, a U shape, intact but made key upgrades to bring this kitchen into the present. The result is a bright, classic space with subtle additions of color and improved lighting and seating, making this the most popular room in the house.

• Cabinetry: We replaced the cabinets with classic white cabinetry, giving the kitchen an elegant, timeless look while maximizing storage. Hidden drawers, deeper upper cabinets, and a pantry make the space much more functional.
• Backsplash: To introduce some color, we selected a light blue ceramic subway tile for the backsplash. This soft hue added warmth and visual interest without overpowering the space.
• Lighting: Recessed can lights replaced the fluorescent lighting, making the space feel larger and brighter. LED tape lights under the upper cabinets were added for task lighting and give off a soft glow.
• Countertop: A quartz countertop in a Calacatta marble pattern was selected for its durability and easy care. This replaced a green high pressure laminate countertop which showed every single crumb on the surface.
• Flooring: The old tile floors were replaced with engineered hardwood, which can withstand moisture, bringing much needed warmth and continuity to the home while standing up to daily wear and tear. The adjacent dining room has oak floors so the new kitchen flooring was selected to match.
• Seating Area: By removing the “desk” on the opposite wall, we were able to elongate the peninsula and make it wider. Now it can comfortably accommodate up to five people, making it a spacious area for family meals, homework, or coffee with friends.

Key Features 

• Classic white cabinetry
• Light blue ceramic subway tile backsplash
• Quartz countertop
• Enlarged seating area for up to five people
• Recessed lighting for a bright, open feel
• Durable engineered hardwood floors