Kitchen renovation
Hello friends,
Today we are sharing a glimpse in to our latest completed kitchen renovation project !
I won’t lie—this project came with its challenges, but we successfully completed it to our client’s full satisfaction and even ahead of schedule!
The Journey Begins
This process actually started a year ago when a general contractor (GC) reached out to me for guidance in determining the project scope. He was struggling to pinpoint the client's exact expectations and design style, so he decided to bring in a design professional—me!
When I first met this wonderful couple, I quickly realized that we needed to have an open and honest conversation about the process, budget, and overall design vision.
Uncovering Client Expectations
One of the biggest challenges in any project—especially when working with clients who have never hired an interior designer before—is uncovering their true expectations. Many clients are hesitant to discuss budgets, which is completely understandable. Talking about money can feel intrusive, but it’s one of the most critical conversations to have at the beginning to ensure a smooth and successful renovation.
After our initial design presentation, we struggled to find common ground, and the project was put on hold. The clients were apprehensive about the total cost, particularly since the GC had proposed a full gut renovation, which wasn’t aligned with their vision.
A Fresh Approach
Almost a year later, the clients reached out again, asking if I would be willing to revisit the project with a new approach—one that didn’t require completely gutting the kitchen. Since they wanted to retain the existing footprint, keep their recently installed flooring, and preserve their high-end Wolf appliances and stunning Quartzite island countertop, we needed to find a way to modernize the space while respecting these elements.
Another key request was to maintain the presence of wood and rustic details, as these were integral to the home’s architecture. The challenge was to balance all these elements in a way that felt cohesive and intentional.
The Updated Design Plan
With these considerations in mind, we crafted a new design that included:
Modernizing the cabinets without replacing them
Adding a stylish pot filler faucet
Creating a color and finish scheme that enhanced the space with a clean, updated look
To achieve this, we replaced the existing countertops and backsplash with a neutral beige solid quartz, which complemented—rather than competed with—the beloved Quartzite island. To lighten up the space and reduce the overwhelming wood tones, we opted for painted cabinets. To add visual interest, we incorporated glass-front cabinets on both sides of the kitchen, providing a beautiful display area for fine china and decorative pieces.
For a seamless blend of rustic charm and modern elegance, we stained the interior of the glass cabinets while painting the exteriors to match the rest of the updated cabinetry. New cabinet doors and glass-front upper cabinets by the stove, featuring arched glass inserts, helped break up the boxy feel of the space.
Final Touches
To further elevate the design, we made key upgrades:
Enhanced lighting with two stunning glass pendant lights over the island
Updated cabinet hardware with stylish, modern pulls and knobs
Replaced outdated crown molding with a sleek, modern profile that better suited the new cabinetry design
A Stunning Transformation
The results speak for themselves! Not only did we achieve a beautifully refreshed kitchen that honored the home’s original charm, but we also completed the project in just eight weeks—thanks to our proven 10-step design process that ensures efficiency without compromising on style.
This project was a perfect example of how thoughtful design, strategic planning, and a collaborative approach can transform a space while respecting the client’s vision and budget. We couldn’t be happier with how it turned out!
Are you considering a kitchen renovation? Let’s chat about how we can bring your dream space to life!
Below are some photos of before and after,let me know what you think about it!
Cheers, Tatiana
A view of before we started renovation
Another view of the kitchen prior to renovation
Post renovation,new doors,hardware,new glass cabinet with arched doors,new crown molding that complements the new cabinet style.
