The most dramatic transformation began in the heart of the home: the kitchen. Lined with heavy cabinetry and swathed in dated colors, we set out to make stylistic updates as well as functional ones. This couples’ love of cooking meant that the old, electric, built-in stove wasn’t meeting their needs. To support their culinary adventures, we gave them performance-grade appliances that could keep up. We brought in a new oven with a gas rangetop, hooded exhaust vent, and microwave. 

To accommodate the new gas oven and range, we removed some of the cabinets but kept the doors to reconfigure storage elsewhere. From top to bottom, this was a low-waste project that mindfully repurposed elements wherever possible. Adding crown molding above the cabinets helped create a more elegant appearance and reduced the negative space up top. We painted all the cabinetry, and replaced the existing hardware with a more modern finish for a sleek feel. 

With health and sustainability in mind, we added a reverse osmosis water tap to remove contaminants and improve water quality. To surround the new sink, we sourced stunning quartz countertops for their durability and longevity. The natural stone backsplash played well with the quartz pattern and inviting neutral hues present in the rest of the room. For a vivid touch in the otherwise understated color palette, the client requested a bold blue “pop” on the multifunctional kitchen island, to which we gladly obliged.

Continuing through the first floor on the way to the primary bedroom with the en-suite bath was a charming little powder room with unusual dimensions. Ten-foot ceilings and a tiny floorplan created a tall and thin, but visually claustrophobic, space. To improve the proportions, we had a few tricks up our sleeve. We created an optical illusion that made the room’s dimensions feel more balanced. To do this, we mounted an all-around chair rail at eight feet and painted the top of the walls the same hue as the ceiling. This helped visually lower the ceiling for a more comfortable and welcoming space. The beautiful, geometric wallpaper features opulent gold and navy blue which we color matched to echo the vanity cabinet. These bold choices took the powder room from outdated and underwhelming to polished and unexpected.