It’s June, time to be outside and experience all of the breezy warm weather that the Summer season has to offer. This home renovation, with the emphasis on the kitchen, reminds us of Summer. Light and airy finishes, open spaces for gathering, and we couldn’t forget the beach themed powder room.

Before:

Before their renovation, the family’s kitchen had a unique layout that seemed to wrap around a large structural beam at the center of the space. It was built as an addition onto the original 1915 colonial home and certainly left much to be desired. The goals for the renovation were to update the kitchen and create a simplified central layout (in addition to updating the small powder room down the hall).

• 

• 

As we mentioned, prior to renovating, the kitchen had a very unique layout. The space almost felt like it was designed around an obtuse structural beam built into the central island. The room’s ceiling almost resembled Relativity with the various soffits and ceiling heights concealing mechanical and structural supports branching off from the beam. The clients wanted to simplify their layout, update the overall design to something more modern, and create a cohesive space that felt more like a real kitchen. 

The major reconfiguration of the space would come from the restructuring of the room’s ceiling. To remove the structural beam at the center, a new support system was designed and installed in the ceiling. To simplify the look of the supports, and avoid recreating the multi-height ceiling issue they had before the new section is concealed in a single portion of soffit.

• 

• 

To raise this space’s overall functionality, we needed to incorporate more storage and counter space, which the clients decided to do in the form of a new island. What’s different about the island? The size! In place of the small island they started with, their new island would be more than double the size and the center of attention in the new space.

In addition to the kitchen, the clients wanted to renovate the powder room directly adjacent. At approximately 50 sq.ft. the space was a tight squeeze, but with a little rearranging, we knew it could be much more comfortable.

Without further ado, welcome to the new kitchen:

It’s hard to imagine this is the same space, but that’s the power of design and renovation!

The new kitchen is a space you could spend the whole day admiring. The transitional space beautifully balances modern details with a classic design. From the gleaming hardwood floors to the Taj Mahal quartzite countertops, all the way to the Eclipse mid-century modern light fixtures, this kitchen exudes a refined style. Our clients’ interior designer, Tracee Zevans of Tracee Zevan Designs, did an absolutely stunning job outfitting the space with the elements that truly give it character.

Not just a pretty face, the kitchen also has ample new storage options and counter space. With three walls of storage options, a new bar, and that ISLAND (which we’ll get to, don’t you worry), there is enough working room for multiple chefs in this kitchen.

We’ll give you the tour from top to bottom starting, of course, with the ceiling. After installing the new steel beams and simplifying the soffit, the ceiling is much less distracting. The change in ceiling height creates contrast in spaces and enhances the look and feel of the cabinetry. To add a classic touch, the new look also includes crown molding, which works beautifully with the cabinetry and overall look of the space.

Next up, the far more functional cabinetry. You can visit Glenbrook Cabinetry’s blog here to read all about the details, but we can help cover the overview. To maximize the storage capabilities in the space, you’ll find cabinetry on each wall. Next to the eat-in dining area, you’ll find a desk, as well as a pantry (with a shelf specifically designed to safely hide warm countertop appliances for quick clean up, genius!), and a bench seat with pull out storage.

• 

• 

• 

To take advantage of every nook and cranny in this room, Glenbrook Cabinetry designed a petite coffee station. Perfectly proportioned to its needs, this small alcove keeps the rest of the kitchen’s gorgeous new countertops clear and day to day clutter at bay.

Next to the coffee station, the kitchen has a new prep sink, as well as an upgraded Wolf range and hood. Side note: We love the personality and details in older homes, and this home is no exception. One of the things we loved about this kitchen imparticular is the windows. They’re deep-set and add so much character and natural light to the space, as you can see below.

In addition to the range and hood, this section of the kitchen has a prep sink, and you guessed it, ample storage! In the older design, the cabinetry on this wall stood exposed to the next room, but to enclose the space and ditch that strange hallway effect, we built a wall between the two. A small detail that makes a big difference, this gives the cabinetry a completed look, as well as creates a defined border between the two rooms.

The new kitchen range is quite an update to the older model, but the eye-catcher is the new hood and Versailles White Tulip backsplash. The range hood is a contemporary custom design from Glenbrook Cabinetry, while the backsplash leans a bit more traditional.

Onto the main event: the heart of the kitchen. We’re referring to it as the heart because we focused on moving the larger appliances closer to one another, instead of spreading them around the space as they had been. Now, concentrated around the new island, this centrally focused design gives the room a much more cohesive feel.

The focal point of the room is the stunning 40 sq. ft. island, which is double the size of its predecessor. With a built-in warming drawer, dishwasher, storage, and a sink, it beautifully marries design and functionality. You can read more about the island’s design (like the colors and where to get it…Glenbrook Cabinetry…by clicking here.). We love the contrast and warmth of the bronze Eclipse pendant and barstools to the island. Another beautiful decision from Tracee Zevan Designs!

The backdrop to the island needed to crisp and clean, so once again, you’ll find a bright white wall of expanded storage. With a paneled refrigerator and drawer microwave, this area is just one fresh wall of functionality.

• 

• 

Just outside of the kitchen, we created a space for a new bar with a drink chiller and ice machine. As we said earlier, one of the adjacent areas to the kitchen is the dining room, so what better place to make a few drinks for guests than right beside them? With a similar look to the overall kitchen’s design, it’s a small addition that elevates the space further.

You didn’t forget about the powder room, did you? We took this narrow space and made it a bit more user friendly. Moving the sink to face the entrance (instead of directly in front of the toilet), gives occupants a bit more space. With a beautiful new vanity from, you guessed it, Glenbrook Cabinetry, a suspended mirror, chandelier, and glittery new paint job, this beach-themed little powder room has some bold impact.

• 

• 

Thanks for checking out this stunning renovation! If you’re interested in seeing more images, click on over to Houzz. You can also check out Glenbrook Cabinetry, or Tracee Zevan Designs.