Project Case Study:
From Gloomy to Light - Transforming a Dark and Dated Kitchen

This client came to us with a dark and time-worn kitchen space. The goal was to go from gloomy and closed off to light, bright and airy. The original kitchen was entirely closed off from the dining area and felt extremely dated with the existing finishes. These clients were ready for a fresh, 21st-century update.

The first thing we did was remove the entire south kitchen wall and replace it with a new pony wall. This eliminated all the upper cabinets on that wall and opened the space for a direct view into the dining area for optimal entertaining. The worn linoleum floor was removed and replaced with new oak hardwoods, laced in to match the connecting dining area floor.

Overcoming Hurdles in a Custom Kitchen Upgrade

This kitchen upgrade came with custom cabinetry and new recessed lighting. Another hurdle we overcame was that the cabinets had such a long lead time that we had to order the cabinets before framing was done. This reverse process led to framing being done to fit the cabinet plans rather than the other way around. Partnering this with the client’s custom-size refrigerator, the whole process took surgical-level precision from our carpenters.

Maximizing Storage Space with Floor-to-Ceiling Cabinetry and a New Fridge Location

What had been an empty wall became home to the refrigerator and extensive storage space. Despite eliminating the existing upper cabinets, the client ended up with more storage space than before with this new wall of floor-to-ceiling cabinetry. The new fridge location also required new electrical and plumbing.

The Final Result

This new, more modern design was completed with gorgeous quartz countertops, a stainless steel under-mount sink, and a pullout spray faucet. The refreshed space was complemented by updated windows over the sink, near the back door, and in the dining area.