Timeless Craftsmanship: A Kitchen Designed for Function and Beauty
Initially, this client’s goal was simple: replace the existing island. The original island was not functional—it was an odd shape, positioned too far from the wall cabinets, and made meal prep inconvenient. Additionally, it lacked proper seating for when their family came to visit.
Considering the Bigger Picture
One of the first challenges we encountered was the flooring. The existing kitchen had tile flooring that met up against a wood floor, and since the first floor had an open-concept layout, the client had to decide whether to replace the tile with new tile or transition to wood for a more seamless look. While tile would have been the more cost-effective option, the client preferred the continuity of wood. This meant refinishing the adjacent living area to ensure the existing wood blended seamlessly with the newly installed flooring.
This is an important factor homeowners should consider when remodeling. If the new layout differs from the original, flooring gaps or mismatched finishes can become an issue. Some homeowners also discover that certain builders install flooring up to the cabinets rather than underneath them—a cost-saving technique that often complicates future renovations.
A Complete Kitchen Transformation
After exploring their options, the homeowners decided that if they were investing in refinishing and installing new wood flooring, they might as well remodel the entire kitchen to get exactly what they wanted.
One of the homeowners is a skilled woodworker and was set on installing natural wood cabinets. His wife wholeheartedly agreed, having previously lived with a painted cabinet kitchen and disliked how easily painted surfaces show wear and tear. With solid wood cabinets, there’s no risk of chipping paint, and minor scratches blend naturally rather than exposing a primed surface beneath.
Function-First Design
Every detail in this kitchen was designed with function in mind. The homeowners wanted ample storage, so we incorporated plenty of drawers to make organizing and accessing kitchen essentials easier. Proper spacing between the island and wall cabinets was also a priority, ensuring smooth movement throughout the space. To keep countertops clutter-free, we suggested a drawer microwave, allowing for a cleaner, more streamlined look. These thoughtful design choices created a kitchen that is not only beautiful but also highly practical for everyday use.
Aesthetic Choices for Lasting Appeal
This kitchen wasn’t about making a bold, trendy statement—it was about creating a space that would stand the test of time. Stained cherry cabinetry was chosen for its warmth and ability to age beautifully. For the backsplash, we selected a beige elongated subway tile, which keeps the space inviting without creating stark contrast against the darker cabinets. The countertops feature white quartz with warm veining, adding brightness while complementing the cabinetry’s rich tones. Simple lighting and hardware allowed the cabinetry to remain the focal point.
Balancing Dark Cabinetry with Light Accents
When working with dark cabinetry, it’s important to ensure the space still feels open and inviting. To achieve this balance, we incorporated lighter elements, including a warm beige subway tile backsplash and white quartz countertops with soft veining, both of which help reflect light and brighten the room. To further break up the rich wood tones, we added short open shelves beside the double oven cabinet, allowing the backsplash to extend beyond the cabinetry and introduce more visual lightness. These thoughtful touches ensure the space feels warm and sophisticated rather than overly dark or heavy.
The result is a kitchen that seamlessly blends elegance with functionality. Every detail was carefully considered, from the timeless material choices to the thoughtfully planned layout. We are thrilled with how this space turned out—warm, inviting, and built to last.