Small Changes – Big Impact – Kitchen Edition
This is the latest installment of our small changes…big impact series – this time focusing on kitchens. A full kitchen renovation might seem daunting. Maybe you already like the general layout of your kitchen, but want to add a larger entryway, opening or island - or just want things to be a little different. A few updates and/or adding new detail can be just the right change you are looking for to enhance your kitchen space.
The main change on this project was opening up the wall between the existing kitchen and dining room. Where there was previously one doorway, there is now an 8ft opening. The larger opening truly connects the two spaces, allowing for light, movement and conversation to better flow between them.
With the help of a designer, the clients also added new cabinetry below the set of windows, added an island, installed new countertops and updated the backsplash to be taller and more contemporary.
Other modifications included painting all of the existing wood cabinetry and paneling on the kitchen walls as well as new cabinet hardware, including hinges. A new drywall ceiling and new LVP flooring was installed in the kitchen. New recessed lighting was added in both rooms and pendant lights were hung over the kitchen island, all with dimmer switches.
The overall result is a space that feels larger, brighter and more open for entertaining across both rooms.
The goal of this renovation was to update the kitchen as well. There was an alcove with a desk that was being underused in the kitchen, and the client wanted to replace this with new cabinetry to add additional storage – and create a space for their coffee bar.
All remaining kitchen cabinetry was painted and new cabinet hardware, including hinges, were installed. The renovation also included new countertops and a new backsplash as well as updated lighting with new recessed lights and pendant lights over the island.
True to this kitchen series, these clients wanted to update and freshen up their kitchen area as well! A roughly 3 foot by 5 foot opening was created between the kitchen and living room and the two spaces are much better joined together. A breakfast bar top was added to the opening creating a new area for seating and dining, and we were able to secure a match of their kitchen countertop to provide continuity with this new feature and the existing kitchen!
The lighting was updated as well to recessed lights, and a ceiling fan was added above the kitchen table. Shadow boxes were built into the area around the kitchen table, which adds definition to the walls and helps update the look of the kitchen.
In all of these projects, we worked directly with the owners to give them the improvements that they were looking for. Everyone is different, every project is different, and everyone is looking for their own individual change for their space. But as we have shown before on some of our previous blogs, a few seemingly small changes do add up to some big improvements of one’s home and the overall enjoyment of the new space.