Warm Welcome: After
This uninspired kitchen was desperately in need of a makeover to fit the classic charm of a Craftsman home. A New Kitchen of San Diego took on the task. The room was ripped down to the studs, the walls were moved, the window and door were changed out, and the electrical and plumbing systems were upgraded.
To fit the Craftsman approach, Shaker-style hickory cabinets with inset doors finished in toffee stain were chosen and feet were added to the base cabinets to give them more of a furniture feel. Bronze bin pulls and knobs provided a final classic touch. To create a better use of the space, angled cabinets were built into an area previously wasted because of an intruding staircase. And a walk-in pantry, not seen in the photo, also was constructed.
The designers also added under cabinet lighting to showcase the marble countertops and backsplash that supply a luxury look. For an unusual addition, an old-fashioned-looking wall-mounted faucet was installed above the undermount sink. All appliances were upgraded and in stainless steel. The tile floor was and replaced with a natural stained oak floor, to provide a warmer welcome.
Cost: Approximately $70,000
For more info: www.anewkitchen.com
Warm Welcome: Before
This very plain kitchen was begging to be remodeled.
Goal: Update the look to incorporate the charm and approach of the home’s Craftsman style.
Total Turnaround: After
This bungalow had a kitchen with little to offer. A New Kitchen of San Diego determined that major work was needed to create the large gourmet kitchen the owners wanted. First, the wall between the kitchen and living room had to be removed; windows needed removal or replacement, and the electrical and plumbing systems had to be upgraded.
Then, to provide an eating area that had been lacking in the old kitchen, a furniture-looking island was created and topped with a warm walnut countertop to create an interesting contrast to the room of vanilla-colored cabinets. The island sports a five-burner cooktop as an optional cooking space.
To finish the look, cabinets were given their own special design intent, creating a shadow effect by being left just shy of ceiling height. Glass-insert cabinets were also put in one area to display collected pottery and artwork. Granite in shades of brown, beige, gold and black with flecks and veining was chosen to enliven the countertops. Pretty also became practical: Drawers below the oven keep pots and pans conveniently in reach; while a deep-basined farmhouse sink with an old-fashioned-looking faucet in polished nickel were included for added charm. To complete the transformation from dull to delightful, new hardwood floors were installed.
Cost: Approximately $85,000
For more info: www.anewkitchen.com
Total Turnaround: Before
This old kitchen was too small and had no style.
Goal: A larger gourmet kitchen
French Fusion: After
C’est magnifique! With the plan by brooksBerry Kitchens & Baths of St. Louis, the space now looks and lives bigger, using a few tricks of the trade including a diagonal floorplan to give a wider appearance and a tall window with an arched covering to draw the eye to provide an illusion of height.
The project took in the entire width of the back of the house, contiguous with the family’s living room, but did not add any square footage. The center hall wall was removed. An arched header opening now conceals a structural beam that allows two ceiling treatments. Yellow paint on the north exposure gives a warm and sunny feel. By painting the ceiling a tint of the walls, the room is visually raised. Beams eight inches wide but only three inches deep make them seem higher.
Chunky elements help transform the standard kitchen layout. The island top is three-inch-thick limestone. Island custom cabinets in Espresso-stained cherry feature pillowed hidden-top drawers. The nine-lite glass door wall cabinets have cube-like shapes. Black slate countertops showcase a custom-made apron-front farmhouse sink. An oversized seven-foot-wide custom hood features bold custom plaster brackets. Brick-veneered accents highlight the cooktop and serve as doorway quoins or cornerstones. Not seen in the photo is a dark green hutch with tall copper door inserts that draw the eye to its elongated shape within a wide run of cabinetry.
Cost: Approximately $120,000
For more info: Brooksberry.com
French Fusion: Before
This old kitchen and breakfast space was closed-off and unremarkable.
Goal: To create an open and casual living environment with a French feel for former Louisiana residents.
Zoned Living: After
With a design by Interior Spaces Inc. of Tampa, this space was redefined to separate areas of functionality. Neighborly zones created for storage, prepping, cooking, conversing, dining and media viewing changed the kitchen’s original “bigness” into a surprising coziness.
New windows now mould incoming light to round the room without physically changing its shape. Soffits, coffers and lighting reshape the ceiling to give areas below their own identities. Activity zones are created through cabinetry, smaller islands and furniture placement. Eye-level touchable detail brings warmth and density to a space once vast and chilling. Stamped tin on the ceiling, crimped metal banding within the crown moulding, applied decorations on cabinets and a large custom-built stove hood bring textural variety. Five-foot-high white marble wainscot visually discipline the room’s dimensions. A warm zinc island top, a hammered brass tabletop at the banquette, and a teak prep table all wonderfully pull attention to their singular areas and away from aimless open space.
Tiles, lighting, cabinets, marble, appliances and furniture tame the gift of generous space. The result becomes this lovely sequence of areas more suited to their actual activities.
Cost: $175,000
For more info: Intspaces.com
Zoned Living: Before
This 16- by 30-foot kitchen suffered from too much of a good thing. Its large island was a barrier to normal traffic patterns. Its extra tall cabinetry presented characterless cliffs on three walls. Its 11-foot ceiling was a mass of uninterrupted white sheetrock.
Goal: To bring human scale to this box.
An Entertainer’s Domain: After
The Kitchen Design Studio’s Kimball Derrick, CKD, and June Surber of June Surber and Associates, both of Cincinnati, teamed up to create this stylish, functional new kitchen. In the food prep area, there is a primary oven with drop-in cooktop, both in a stainless steel cabinet to simulate a range. An island now runs parallel to the cooktop, providing refrigerated drawers and a warming drawer on the working side and a secondary sink that doubles as a vegetable and bar sink. The back corner of the working area is for cleanup with the main sink and adjacent countertops.
Entertaining is not forgotten. Outside the working area is space with seating for friends and family. The refrigerator is next to a tall cabinet holding glassware and rollouts for liquor and bar supplies. Making the most of kitchen activities, a desk area is on the perimeter near a tall pantry cabinet that replaced a closet. The cabinet provides a second single oven and — surprise! — a pullout drawer for a computer printer.
The look is contemporary with the island’s granite countertop and quartz perimeter countertops sporting curves. Cabinets are of either dark-stained mahogany or lightly stained beech veneers. Three-eighths-inch glass tile kicks it up another notch as the unusual covering for three walls. Glass doors above the range wall cabinets mimic windows on the perpendicular wall. A lighting track winds its way through the kitchen, highlighting cabinetry and work spaces. Refinished hardwood floors were updated with a dark stain.
Cost: Approximately $150,000
For more info: Thekdstudio.com
Photo: © Ross Van Pelt
An Entertainer’s Domain: Before
This kitchen was in immaculate condition, but dysfunctional and had a dated mauve and laminate design.
Goal: After first considering just updating doors and drawer fronts, the decision was for a transformation.
Sophisticated and Comfortable: After
This new kitchen with a sophisticated French Country look was created by Kitchen Encounters of Annapolis, Md. While the design used the room’s footprint, it changed it from “workable” to “wow!” A focal point was created with the stucco hood and range placed along an angled wall, with a hand-painted tile scene. Flanking the range are two pull-out spice units that meet the needs of the owners’ specialized spice storage. An appliance garage left of the range features a retracting lower door to keep small appliances convenient yet hidden. The right side of the range transitions smoothly into the clean-up/prep area which houses a double waste container, the main sink, and a dishwasher. The wall cabinet left of the sink has a recessed bottom to house a paper towel holder.
Glass cabinets on the counter provide a showcase for sparkling stemware and plates. The refrigerator is flanked by tall cabinets for a vast wall of storage. The buttercream with glaze finish on the perimeter of the kitchen provides a tasty complement to the cherry single-level island with traditional carved legs. Guests can talk with the cook prepping for dinner at the island’s extra work space or hope for “tastings” from the island’s warming drawer. By combining a sensational look with functionality, this kitchen fits perfectly into its surroundings.
Cost: Approximately $100,000-$130,000
For more info: Visit Kitchen Encounters at www.kitchencounters.biz
Sophisticated and Comfortable: Before
This standard-looking kitchen was a typical U-shaped work area needed an update.
Goal: A renovation that changed the layout and provided functionality.
Inviting and Open: After
This wonderful transformation was created by Kitchen Encounters of Annapolis, Md., and now includes a larger cooking area that has become a focal point. To get there, the peninsula that divided the kitchen from the table area was removed to create a better connection and to allow access to the patio doors. Moving the refrigerator across the aisle provided space for a larger cooking area. That area now features a pro-style range and decorative hood highlighted with corbels and accent tile. The cabinets on the perimeter are finished in a soft, light paint. They include that hutch-look cabinet with bun feet to the left of the dishwasher near the table area. The large island is a warm cherry. Its thick turned legs, beadboard back and built-in bookcase gives it a real furniture feel. The island accommodates four stools so the cook won’t have to be lonely. With the walls and floor tiles in light colors, the new kitchen is now inviting and open.
Cost: Approximately $175,000-$250,000
For more info: www.kitchencounters.biz
Inviting and Open: Before
This kitchen needed a more functional design with updated cabinets and appliances.
Goal: Update the materials, create a more useful area and brighten the whole space.
Opening It Up: After
This lovely new kitchen by Maughan Design of Portland, Ore., was accomplished by making some space changes. The pantry was taken over and the powder bath next to the kitchen was shortened. By making those moves, the whole length of the kitchen was widened. That open space now allowed room for a delightful island with a Wild West Green granite countertop and a custom-fabricated island table of Sapele wood. A buffet was created along the back wall to store and showcase items that used to be hidden, due to limited space. A stained glass backsplash at the buffet allows the light to shine on the new space. It also conceals the view of a narrow sideyard and fence. A perimeter counter features porcelain tile but with the extra kick of an inset strip of marble tile.
Cost: Approximately $90,000, kitchen portion only.
For more info: Maughandesign.com
Opening It Up: Before
This old kitchen was confined to a small U-shape footprint with poor corner access and practically no storage except the small cabinets on the back wall. The access to a walk-in pantry took up too much floor space for the storage it offered.
Goal: Create a new kitchen space that would coordinate with a major first floor remodel.
Light and Inviting: After
This sophisticated transformation was part of a whole house remodel for which Maughan Design of Portland, Ore., provided design services and construction documents. To set the kitchen makeover in motion, the center wall was removed, allowing the entire kitchen to be open to the family room. With the new design, an eating bar now invites conversation with the cook.
A wide wall of windows now bathes the area in natural light, while rustic hickory floors carry a Tuscany stain to set a relaxed tone. A ceramic tile backsplash and custom cherry cabinetry complete this kitchen’s classy new look.
Cost: Design services and construction documents only, approximately $6,000.
For more info: Visit Maughan Design at www.maughandesign.com
Light and Inviting: Before
Cramped and busy, the room had little going for it. The wallpaper was glaringly bold and outdated. The oak cabinets looked ponderous. There were few windows. The room was separated from everybody and everything.
Goal: A transformation that would fit in with a whole house remodel.
Updated to Elegant: After
The revamping of this kitchen by Modern Kitchen Design of Sioux City, Iowa, brought a lovely new elegance in tune with the home’s setting within a prestigious golf community. One key decision was to take out the main wall that separated the kitchen from the rest of the living area. A large two-level island now allows the cook to interact with family members or guests. The raised level is a snack bar that accommodates five stools and hosts the support posts needed where the previous support wall was removed. The lower level houses a cooktop with a wide drawer stack for pots and pans and spice racks on either side. Each wing of the island is symmetrical to keep with the straight lines of the design. One side features a wine cooler and the other a cabinet of the same size.
A walk-in pantry was created for easy, accessible storage. To give the kitchen a contemporary feel, the cabinetry chosen was frameless in a mahogany wood veneer studio door style with square edges. The 3mm-thick granite countertop and a backsplash of glass tile in a blend of colors supply added elegance to the room. The floor is now 18- by 18-inch ceramic tiles in a natural tone to accentuate the large scale of the room.
Cost: Approximately $54,000
For more info: www.modernkitchen.com
Updated to Elegant: Before
The old kitchen was serviceable but it was separate and rather unremarkable.
Goal: Connect the room with the rest of the living space and update it.
Reaching Potential: Before
This not-so-great kitchen in this small home had major traffic flow problems and too many doorways.
Goal: Change the layout to improve functionality.
Bamboo Serenity: After
In this project, Sawhill Custom Kitchens and Design of Minneapolis wanted to make the most of the glass-walled courtyard that was center to the home’s design as well as to accommodate the cooks. A narrower sleek cooktop hood fixed the view problem. Its stainless steel cover also matched the existing stainless steel refrigerator/freezer.
With that problem solved, they moved on to make the center island more effective, creating one with a two-level design featuring a cooktop on one side and a higher eating ledge on the other. The perimeter features carefully placed work areas and wider-than-normal walkways so cooks can work together or apart and maneuver without bumping into each other.
Everything else got updated too: Bamboo cabinets now reflect the home’s contemporary style, including some with European-style lift-up doors as well as aluminum and glass fronts for visual variety and easy spice reach. More stainless steel detailing was introduced on the island’s lower edge, in a border that accents the higher eating bar and on the baseboards. Cream- and brown-colored granite countertops with flecks of burgundy add the warmth previously missing in this modern kitchen. A large cylindrical globe, hanging pendants that mimic the shape of the hood and recessed spots provide new illumination. A stainless steel garage door conceals the microwave when not in use. Cabinets were stopped short of the vaulted ceiling to leave display space for glass and ceramics.
Cost: Approximately $150,000
For more info: www.sawhillkitchen.com
Bamboo Serenity: Before
This contemporary home had a rather mundane kitchen with a large hood over the island that blocked delightful views.
Goal: Improve the room’s look and its views and make it work for two cooks.
Reaching Potential: After
Several changes designed by Sawhill Custom Kitchens and Design of Minneapolis improved work space, traffic flow and functionality. First, a doorway from the upstairs split stairway was eliminated and an archway to the informal dining space was modified, while the broom closet and clothes chute were removed and relocated, opening up the kitchen area and allowing for improved counter space.
Changing the windows in the dining area allowed the natural light to flow in and surround the table. To remain sensitive to the home’s original style, the cue for the cabinetry was taken from the original built-ins in the dining room and the kitchen cabinets. Lovely hardwood floors from the rest of the first floor were continued into the kitchen and dinette to unite the space. A color palette of white on white combined with natural green granite countertops supplied the appropriate freshness for the revival of this room.
Cost: $75,000
For more info: www.sawhillkitchens.com
Function and Style on a Budget: After
This smart-looking kitchen with custom maple cabinets and granite countertops was designed by Small Carpenters At Large of Atlanta. To get to the goal, the pantry walls and door were removed, replacing them with a new pantry cabinet for accessible and efficient storage. Then taller upper cabinets were installed, not only to help create the illusion of taller ceilings, but to add valuable storage space. A built-in bench was also added to create the desired eat-in area, as well as allow for more storage space.
New appliances, plumbing and lighting fixtures complete the transformation. The owners did not want to lose valuable space in either the kitchen or the adjacent den, but they did want a better link between the two, so a new pass-through opening was created for a visual connection. This allows natural light to shine in from both rooms. A granite ledge provides a natural display or serving area. The project provided function, comfort, and style without needing extra space or deviating from a budget.
Cost: Approximately $39,000
For more info: Visit Small Carpenters at Large at www.smallcarpenters.com
Function and Style on a Budget: Before
This dated kitchen had very little storage or workspace.
Goal: A kitchen with improved lighting, more useful storage, updated appliances and an eating area.
A Reason to Celebrate: After
For this delightful new kitchen, Small Carpenters At Large of Atlanta designed an open layout that emphasized efficiency. Extra space was incorporated from an existing mudroom and the kitchen was opened to the family room. The kitchen ceiling was returned to its original taller height, providing space for newer taller cabinets, adding valuable cabinet storage. Along with the open floor plan, white cabinetry and added lighting brightened what had once been a dark and confined space. Hardwood floors and a fresh coat of paint were the frosting on the cake for this makeover worth celebrating.
Although the size of the mudroom was decreased, the new layout makes the remaining space much more efficient. The homeowners now have convenient access to laundry and storage areas.
Cost: Approximately $55,000
For more info:Smallcarpenters.com
A Reason to Celebrate: Before
Little had been done to update this kitchen since the 1970s and the layout was badly in need of improvement.
Goal: Spruce up the kitchen in a wonderful 1908 home before its 100th birthday. View the final result on the next slide.