Before and After $25,000 to $40,000

Forest Slim Shaker with Bella Calacatta quartz – Although having a water leak is never a good thing, it allowed the owners to recreate their kitchen in a modern style more to their liking. The original builder cabinets had been dark brown and did not go all the way to the ceiling. The new stacked cabinets capture that lost storage space by going all the way to the ceiling. The over-the-range microwave has been replaced and relocated to be under the countertop. This allows for a dedicated hood over the stove for better ventilation. The busy green and gold tile backsplash has been replaced with a simple stacked white tile. The original busy granite has been replaced with a quartz with a waterfall edge and a breakfast bar overhang. A special request from the owners was to have a “coffee bar” area for their various appliances. We were also able to widen the pantry to take advantage of the wall space which hadn’t been used before. 

Marshmallow cabinets (top) and Latte cabinets (bottom) and Calacatas Dorada quartz – The original kitchen felt very enclosed due to the angled breakfast counter which restricted walking space from the adjacent family room. By removing most of the wall between the kitchen and family room, the spaces now feel like one large room. By replacing the “L” shaped sink peninsula with a large island, the owner was able to get lots of large drawer storage. The original double oven and over cooktop microwave has been replaced with a 48 inch wide professional range with a chimney hood above. The new quartz countertop runs along the entire backsplash area and up behind the chimney hood to the ceiling. The microwave is now located under the countertop. On either side of the new range are pull-outs holding spices and utensils. The original kitchen had an awkward  corner pantry which was acessed through a narrow door (too small to step into and too deep to reach into). The new kitchen has matching pantries with roll-out shelf trays framing the refrigerator for a built-in look.

Sage Shaker cabinets with Golden Pearl granite – The original kitchen had the golden oak cabinets and tile countertops typical of its age. It also had the peninsula breakfast bar that divided the kitchen from the dining area (when you pulled out the stools; they hit the dining chairs – also typical of the era). We removed the peninsula to allow for easy flow between the two spaces. We also removed the dropped ceiling over the kitchen to visually combine the two separate spaces. Now that the owners are retired, they have different priorities. We worked on designing the new kitchen so it would work better for aging in place. In the original kitchen, there is a door to the garage in the corner. The refrigerator was on one wall and the cooktop was on the other wall. This left only 30 inches of walking space in the “pinch point” area. Since we couldn’t move the garage door, we needed to imagine the space differently. We removed the wall oven and moved the refrigerator down into that spot. Then we placed the pantry between the door and the refrigerator. This gained us the extra 6 inches of space when you come in from the garage since the pantry doesn’t stick out as far into the kitchen as the refrigerator. It also allowed us to place a light switch on the wall (that you can reach as you walk into the kitchen) for additional safety. By replacing the separate over-sized cooktop (located at the end of the counter) with a free standing range, it allows for some countertop space to the right of the range (instead of the risk of banging into pot handles as before). Instead of the trash cans sitting beside the wall where they can be tripped on, the trash cans are now located in the cabinet to the left of the dishwasher. Small appliances are tucked into the appliance garage on the counter near the sink. This allows for easy access and cleanup (but keeps the clutter out of sight when the doors are closed). The original free-standing hutch has been replaced by additional cabinets and countertops. The lower cabinets with the full height doors hold pull-up shelves for heavy appliances (like a mixer). Thus reducing the lifting and bending. The pantry has roll-out shelves, and the cabinet above the refrigerator has a slide-out insert with slots to hold trays. The wall cabinets now have under cabinet lights to aid in seeing for food preparation. The backsplash area is solid stone with no grout lines for easy cleaning. The green and gold colors work well for this Western themed country kitchen.

Semi-custom Julien glazed cabinets from Diamond Cabinetry and white sparkle quartz – The original slab cabinets were original to the house and lacked personality. The new lower cabinets are a more conservative brownish gray color to ground the kitchen and coordinate with the new driftwood gray floor. The new upper cabinets are an aqua with a brown wash. The multi-pane frosted glass windows add to the country feel. The sink was bumped out to mimic the bumped out stove across from it. The refrigerator was moved to the sink wall which allowed for easy access for an ice maker line. Without the refrigerator on the stove wall, the countertops on either side of the stove are much larger and more usable.

Snow Traditional cabinets and Pure White quartz – Removing the wall between the kitchen and living room allows light to flow thoughout. Adding cabinets in the adjacent breakfast area makes up for the cabinets lost from removing the wall, and creates an entertaining space. An overhang for stools was added to the end of the island (instead of the back). This allows for more cabinet storage on the back of the island, and a uninterrupted walkway. The microwave was moved under the countertop which is a much safer location than over a hot stove (we are doing this a lot now).

Semi-custom Caldera cabinets from Diamond Cabinetry with Silver Sea quartz – The cabinets were updated from the original builder’s white wash arched cabinets to a more contemporary seal color with square doors. The dropped ceiling was removed and replaced with recessed can lighting which allowed for taller cabinets and crown molding. Having the ceiling at one height allows the kitchen to flow into the breakfast area. The new pantry is a custom depth of 27 inches to block more of the refrigerator side. The quartz peninsula back has been extended and rounded to create an actual two stool breakfast bar. The mixed media narrow stacked backsplash has colors to blend the cabinets and the stainless steel appliances.

White Shaker cabinets with White Cloud quartz – The original breakfast bar peninsula and upper cabinets were removed to open the kitchen to the family room. The non-sitting prep island was turned 90 degrees, and a breakfast bar overhang was added. The wall oven and non-used desk were removed. The refrigerator was relocated to the back wall with pantries on either side for a symetrical storage wall.

Shadow cabinets and Brown Fantasy dolomite – Although the floor was beautiful, the builder cabinets were ready to be replaced. The layout for the most part remained the same. The new dark gray cabinets pull out the darker elements out of the floor (instead of the lighter cabinets accenting the lighter elements). The pantry was widened for additional storage space. The island is now wider with additional cabinets opening on the back side.  A marble backsplash was brought up around the window for a nice dramatic focal point. The unique color of the dolomite countertop adds beauty to this mostly neutral color scheme.

Alabaster cabinets and Royal Green quartz – Removing the Shaker style cabinets and replacing them with a more traditional style went better with the overall architectural style of the house. Although the kitchen footprint remained the same, small details were added which make a big impact. The sink was replaced with an apron front sink, the crown and under cabinet moldings are more prominant, and the white subway tile was replaced with a full splash matching the countertop.

Light Beechwood Shaker cabinets and Saltoro Cliff quartz – Removing the tiny peninsula return cabinet resulted in a galley design. The cabinets were updated to a lighter color, and the door style adds some interest. The countertop is blue-gray with copper specks, and the floor tile is blue-gray with tan accents. The back splash tile is a solid blue glass (so as not to compete with pattern of the countertop). All of the elements work together without being overwhelming.

Portobello cabinets and Bianco Delicatus granite – The original builder installed kitchen was dated and lacked many of the upgraded standard features of today’s cabinets. The original lower blind base cabinets were replaced with lazy susan corner cabinets for easier access. A pull-out trash can cabinet and roll-out shelves add convenience. The freestanding range and hood were increased to 36 inches wide. The refrigerator was changed to a built-in to allow for more space around the island. The pantry was enlarged and designed to hold a built-in microwave since it is no longer over the stove. The crown molding, under cabinet lighting molding, darker cabinet color, and natural stone backsplash all add elegance to this remolded kitchen.

Hickory Shaker cabinets and Purple Dunes granite – The storage in this kitchen is increased by adding cabinets on the back side of the peninsula. A small prep sink was also added in the peninsula. Both ovens are placed under the countertop instead of stacked for additional countertop workspace. A granite backsplash makes cleaning easier, and the Purple Dunes pattern results in a wonderful focal point. 

Riesling cabinets and New Venetian Gold granite – The cabinet style was changed from the builder’s oak to a traditional cream color. The angled corner sink area was highlighted with a copper apron sink, decorative posts, and a bottom valance. Lots of detailing interest was added through crown molding, under cabinet light molding, floor molding, split posts, and upgraded handles. The backsplash tile in multiple cream colors was installed up around the window for a seamless focal point.

Vanilla cabinets and Wavy Sand quartz – The original space had a small kitchen and a large dining area. The sink peninsula stuck out into the walkway (creating a “pinch point”), and the refrigerator door could not open properly due to being too close to the side wall. The owners needed more storage and countertop space. By thinking of the space as one large space rather than two smaller spaces, we were able to extend the cabinets and countertops along one wall into the former dining space. This resulted in a lot more countertops and storage. Instead of one 12 inch deep pantry, they now have two 24 inch deep pantries. The refrigerator was located away from the corner, and instead of just a side panel, we installed a shallow “broom closet” pantry. In the prior layout, it was confining for more than one person to be in the kitchen space. But now, several cooks can be in the kitchen without bumping into each other.

Linen cabinets and Leblon quartzite – What started out as a storage loft was converted into a two bedroom apartment. Adding a large window in the rear wall allows lots of natural light to enter the main space. A large island with an eating overhang on two sides, easily allows for four person seating and conversation. A large pantry allows for ample storage, and a tall wine cooler allows for great entertaining. The entire backsplash area (including around the window) was tiled in a multi-hued green and white marble hexagon pattern for a dash of fun. The large doors on the right conceal a washer and dryer. 

Ivory cabinets and Pietra quartz – The rear wall of this home was removed to allow for an enlarged kitchen and a new family room adition. Since everyting was being gutted, the owners were free to design a layout that worked best for them. All of the appliances were relocated (except for the range due to venting issues in this two story house), and upgraded in size. Both the range and refrigerator were increased to 48 inches wide (still waiting on the backordered refrigerator in this photo). Pull-out spice racks flank the stove, and a pot filler is in the wall above. A second sink, a warming drawer, a pull-out trash can, and a drawer microwave are located in the large island. The darker color of the island pulls the darker accents from the floor. The large crown molding, under wall cabinet molding, decorative doors on the cabinet sides, and a raised panel cabinet door all add to the traditional feeling of this kitchen.

Portobello cabinets and Solarius granite – The new darker cabinets are richer looking with door detailing, stacked crown molding, light rail molding, and decorative handles. The pantry was enlarged to replace a portion of the oversized desk, and the cabinet over the refrigerator was made full depth for extra storage. The granite is a light golden color, and works beautifully with the travertine floor and backsplash. 

Modern white cabinets and Fusion quartzite – This kitchen has a high ceiling, but the old cabinets did not take advantage of it. Running the cabinets up to the ceiling with solid doors would feel oppressive. By replacing the top doors with frosted glass, the kitchen feels lighter but still has additional storage space. The refrigerator was moved to the under used desk area. The cooktop and wall ovens were replaced by a range along the back wall. This allowed us to get rid of the large central hanging hood which visually opened the kitchen to the dining room. The lighter feel is further enhanced by breaking up the cabinets on the stove wall with a chimney hood. Cabinets on the back side of the island provide needed storage space for the adjacent dining room. A narrow wine rack (located behind the open base shelf) takes advantage of an odd wall jog.

Toffee cabinets and Spring Gold quartz – Sometimes small changes can make a big difference. In this case, the owners decided to keep their existing floor and a similar layout. The older color had gone well with the floor, and they wanted to stay with something similar. The new cabinets stay in the same warm medium brown tones while adding some raised center panel detailing. The layout was updated to include a lazy susan cabinet in the corner, a pull-out spice rack next to the stove, and wide pot drawers for the island. The island back and exposed ends have decorative molding. The crown molding, end molding, and under cabinet light molding have the same black accent highlights as the cabinet door style.

White Shaker cabinets with Carrera Marble quartz – It is never a plesant experience to have a flood, but it becomes a great time to get a new kitchen. Although the floorplan is similar to the original layout, the overall feel is much more modern. The original ivory traditional style cabinets have been replaced with a bright white Shaker style, and the multi-color granite has been replaced with a simple white and gray quartz. A molding was added both above and below the wall cabinets, and the knobs were swapped for long thin handles. These small details keep the kitchen from being sterile.

Walnut cabinets and Giallo Ornamental granite – Many small additions make this kitchen more functional. The old double wall ovens were replaced by one oven and a microwave. This gave more space over the cooktop for some decorative tile work. The old microwave was not vented, but by adding a large crown molding we were able to run duct work on top of the cabinets and out the side wall. Adding cabinets to the back side of the island doubles its storage capacity. Replacing an old desk with cabinets and a bar fridge creates a beverage center. A built-in window seat (on the lower right corner) replaces the old breakfast bar overhang for sitting and chatting with the cook.

Snow Traditional cabinets and Mandala Supreme marble – The original kitchen had an additional full height wall (already removed in the before photo). There was only a narrow opening from the entry to the kitchen, and from the dining room to the kitchen. The full height wall was eliminated to allow for a breakfast bar. The breakfast bar legs are 9 inch wide cabinets to allow for quick storage cubbies for children toys. The new stove and microwave are located where the old entry opening had been. A bank of pantries by the garage door provide additional storage. In the lower right corner, you can see a peak of the corner storage bench (which is located under a window) to create a breakfast nook. In the bottom photo, you can see a portion of the beverage center which replaced an old coat closet.