A Kitchen, Transformed

Hello and Happy  New Year!  The end of 2015 seemed to go by in a whirlwind! I apologize for the lack of posts but I hope to make it up to you now with an incredible Kitchen Makeover that has been in the works all fall.

Of course, everyone loves a good before and after shot so lets start with the before:

This is the kitchen my clients inherited from the previous owners. It was kind of a confusing mix of modern (cabinets and stainless steel countertops) and traditional – (lighting, window treatments). Ready for the after?

Honestly, this is my dream kitchen – and I am just so happy for this fun family of 6 (if not a tad envious!) This new kitchen is just so light, bright and cheerful.  The wood island really adds warmth and keeps things from feeling too sterile, which can happen sometimes in all white kitchens.

A few more comparison shots …

Behind those antiqued mirrored doors is the refrigerator … with 4 freezer drawers below. We decided to tile the entire inset behind the sink in a gorgeous gray and white tile with just a hint of shimmer.  It eliminates the need for window treatments and keeps the look clean and fresh.

Before … this whole side of the kitchen just had to go.

 

In it’s place …

That is a fun magnetic wall creating a kind of Command Center (every kitchen needs one, right?), below a TV and more antiqued mirror cabinetry.

Before …

 

After … wonderful pantry space flanks the oven and a built-in coffee-maker. I can personally attest to the delicious cup of joe produced by this baby … the perfect “crema” or foam atop each cup! And there’s space on top give the space a more personalized look – with a collection of gorgeous Ginger Jars.

The countertops are the most amazing I’ve ever seen – Iceburg Extra Polished Quartzite, more stain-resistant than marble, and with the most beautiful veining and opaque coloring. It really does look like it was just chiseled from an iceburg.

Before …

 

After …

And there was also the Butler’s Pantry …

 

And now …

I am just so thrilled with every little detail …

 

 

What do you think?  It has been so fun to see this formerly mismatched room transform into the true heart of the home for this wonderful family.  I also had the pleasure of working with Stephanie Frees, owner of Plain & Posh Cabinetry, a true kitchen magician!

On a separate note … with the new year brings ch, ch, changes! Many of you know that my sweet partner Kristy made a big move this fall to Springfield, IL. Accounting-wise, it makes it challenging for us to work as one company, so she is branching out on her own.  I wish her the best of luck in her new business!