Earlier this summer saw the completion of a very satisfying kitchen renovation.

When we first went to take a look at this space, we could see how desperately the clients wanted and needed a kitchen upgrade for their beloved family home.

THE KITCHEN | Before

The existing kitchen was a cramped L shape with the addition of some ad hoc cabinets for additional storage, dark cabinets that had seen better days, a sink facing a wall, hard to reach storage and an interesting backsplash in the form of a painted Dutch landscape on panelling – a first for us! What particularly stood out was how cut off from the dining and living spaces this kitchen was, which seemed at odds with this friendly and sociable family. It was definitely time to breathe some new life into this space.

THE SOLUTION : Here’s what we did

• removed the wall between the living room and kitchen, allowing us to improve the flow, connection and light to both areas

• replaced the existing flooring throughout the entire main floor (a mix of linoleum and carpet) with a luxury vinyl plank; using the same floor throughout visually makes the space appear larger

• added layers of lighting with a combination of recessed lights and pendants

• installed two tone cabinetry in a matte white finish and white oak, keeping it looking fresh and bright but still warm

• added a peninsula to create more counter space, additional storage (on both sides – cleverly concealed with touch latches on the living room side) as well as a casual seating area for that all important morning coffee

• to expand on the existing storage we included drawers in the pantry, took the wall cabinets to the ceiling, installed pull outs in the blind corner cabinets, added plenty of drawers and a garbage/recycling pull out

• installed a beautiful quartz counter with a honed finish providing a textural contrast to the glossy tiles

• replaced the backsplash panelling with glossy tiles in a stunning sage green that have a handmade quality to them – for added impact (and because we all loved them so much) we ran them up to the ceiling on the window wall

• installed a granite composite sink and chrome faucet

• upgraded all the appliances

• completed the look with a combination of chrome and matte black hardware

• in addition we re-arranged the living room furniture for better flow, and planned built-in storage in the dining room for a later phase.

THE KITCHEN | After

The difference in the space is frankly, jaw dropping! We are thrilled with how removing one wall has opened up the entire main floor to feel bright, spacious and connected and at the same time created a functional, sociable kitchen.

What do you think to this transformation? Are you as in love with these sage tiles as we are? Let us know in the comments below!

Thanks for stopping by!

Caireen

After photos by Photo4Design

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Hi, I’m Caireen, a down-to-earth, approachable designer ready to help you shift your home from blah to ooh-la-la.

Most days you can find me at my desk with a pile of samples, a cup of tea and a tape measure close at hand. I have a thing for modern, comfortable spaces inspired by the mid-century aesthetic.

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I can’t wait to meet you!