Design Process of a Kitchen Remodel

 

Overview of the Kitchen Remodel

This lovely Mid Century kitchen remodel had its much anticipated unveiling on New Year’s Eve. Ready to upgrade their 80’s kitchen to modernize and better exemplify the character of their 1950’s home, the homeowners kept the design and materials selected a secret to their friends and family until it was finished.

The big reveal culminated in a most festive party! I’ve been taking progress photos of the work being done so you can see the before and after shots.

Remodel Design Process

After much discussion with the homeowners, the first step is to plan and lay out the cabinetry. At first I replaced the corner cabinets with flat upper cabinets on either side of the window over the sink. I lowered this “view” window to capture the incredible view of Puget Sound and the Vashon Island Ferry.

With more thinking I decided to present the idea to expand the window width as well. We discussed the fact that upper storage would mostly be eliminated on that wall. The clients agreed that the drama of a large window would indeed be worth the compromise. Instead of closed cabinets I specified open shelves with LED lighting.

I think you’ll agree that this design (see end of photos) really enhances the daylight view and adds a theatrical quality to the kitchen especially at night.

Thought Starters

  • *The client’s appliances were in good condition so we reused them.
  • *Incorporating a new microwave drawer keeps the counters clear and maximizes upper storage on this wall.
  • *Narrowing the small window by 6 inches on the North wall keeps the sight lines clear.
  • *Both new windows required the exterior brickwork to be re- mortared. The brick is discontinued so the mason was careful to rework it and the results are splendid.
  • *The existing bar top was of minimal width so we expanded it to give generous leg room and a comfortable space to sit.
  • *We also included a new Recycle/Trash Drawer, Charging Drawer and Pullout Spice drawer.
  • *New Lighting throughout is energy efficient as well as aesthetically beautiful.

Finish Selections

The wood floor had just been refinished so we worked with this as a starting point. Next the granite for the countertops was selected and the cabinet finish. The backsplash tile enhances the beauty of the subtle grain in the White Macabus granite. I always select the paint color last. With the dark Walnut cabinets I chose to brighten up both the walls and the ceiling.

Original West Wall
BEFORE: Original West Wall

Original Kitchen
BEFORE: Original Kitchen

existing-window

Original Kitchen
BEFORE: Original Kitchen

 

BEFORE: Original Kitchen
BEFORE: Original Kitchen

The next series of photos capture the demo process and construction.

Verifying the final drawings
Verifying the final drawings

 

Dust Barrier for Demo
Dust Barrier for Demo

 

Keeping the Original DownDraft Range
Keeping the Original Down Draft Range and Beautiful Flooring

 

BEFORE: Original Window
BEFORE: Original Window

 

Checking Measurements
Checking Measurements

 

Enlarging the Window
Enlarging the Window

 

Enlarging and Lowering the Bar Top
Enlarging and Lowering the Bar Top

 

Templating the Granite with Maria and her new Baby
Laying out the Templates for the Granite with Maria and her new Baby on the Job

 

Cabinet Installation
Cabinet Installation

lazy-susans-cabinet

Corner Cabinet Lazy Susans
Corner Cabinet Lazy Susans

 

Enlarging the Opening for the New Window
Enlarging the Opening for the New Window
Pop Up Outlets to Meet Code Requirements
Nifty Pop Up Outlets to Meet Code Requirements along the large window

 

Installing the Backsplash Tile
Installing the Backsplash Tile

And except for a few details to be finished we are ready for the “Grand Opening” New Year’s Eve Party! VOILA!

East Wall
East Wall with Microwave Drawer

 

Open Shelving with LED Lighting
Open Shelving with LED Lighting

 

Open Shelving
Seasonal Open Shelving Display

 

New Window Wall
New Window Wall

 

Beautiful New Kitchen!
Beautiful New Kitchen!

It was a pleasure to make this kitchen remodel happen. I hope you enjoyed. Let me know if you have questions!

8 thoughts on “Design Process of a Kitchen Remodel”

  1. Hi Admin,

    This information has helped me a lot, I want to get more information like this.Thanks for share valuable information about Restaurant

    How do you project manage a kitchen remodel?
    Please answer the questions?

    THANK YOU

    1. Hi Jennifer, Managing a remodel sometimes depends on the contractor. Most often we work in tandem as so many issues and details come up even daily. This can include site visits, email, texts, or phone calls. I try to write all the details in a scope of project document before the project begins. However, there is always something that needs answered after the demo starts and then that is made as a revision in the document. Updated copies of all the drawings and details are at the site for all the subs to access. Does this answer your question?

  2. Wow . Amazing share. Thank you so much for providing good ideas!. My spouse and I want to do some renovations in the beginning of next year so that we can improve the value of our home. It makes a lot of sense that the amount of money you put in is going to be what your kitchen would become! I think a trendy designed kitchen with modern appliances should need great investment! .Happy I have landed here. I really really appreciate the outcome of the kitchen. Very relaxing and elegant kitchen renovation! Good job! ~ JILL~♥

  3. Wow. I like the transformation here. I love all your choices and learn a lot from that, thanks. Definitely, what a great blog and interesting posts also. We recently complete our kitchen remodeling providence ri, we’re completely thrilled with the end results from the highest quality of materials and workmanship to the timely manner in which it was completed. There is something so satisfying, Dave, the person we worked with, was extremely professional yet friendly throughout the entire process. We highly recommend this company and highly rate their quality and integrity. Thanks for sharing. I will definitely be going back here to see more posts. Goodluck!

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