Kitchen Transformation Creates the Ideal Family Space

The original kitchen in this 1990s two-story traditional home had cabinet peninsulas that made moving in and out and around the kitchen awkward. It was also “tired” with a dated design. With their first child on the way, the owners looked to Rick Jacobson for a transformation. They wanted a more open kitchen with comfortable spaces for food prep and cooking, entertaining, and raising a family.

The before and after photos tell the story. The original design included two peninsulas; one with two bar seats for casual dining, and another that was essentially granite-topped cabinet for storage. While enclosing the kitchen, the design limited traffic flow. The stove, refrigerator and dishwasher needed to be replaced. Oak cabinets were showing their age. Oak trim around the windows were bland. The window blinds weren’t all that appealing. Lighting was tired. Flooring needed help as well.

The good news: A new, bright, open, inviting and functional design could totally transform the room without having to relocate plumbing and electrical.

The project began by getting rid of everything old and starting over. The popcorn ceiling was scraped down and replaced with a knock-down finish. The window trim was replaced with white painted poplar Princeton trim. New white translucent blinds let light in and offers privacy. The floors were sanded and dark stained with an oil base finish. And the floorboards were replaced with a three-part pine base.

The new white kitchen cabinets feature Classic White Dura Supreme cabinetry with Kendal panels and rubbed oil hardware. The new countertops are made with Alaska White Granite from Capital Granite. The beautiful back splash was constructed with Rubbed Oil and Glass features from the Tile Shop. The Kraus open bay under mount stainless steel sink works well with Kohler brushed Nickel fixtures.

All the appliances were replaced with stainless steel finishes. A gas cooktop replaced the original electric, with a new stainless steel range hood that was vented to the outdoors – a major improvement because the old range hood just had circulating filters.

All the lights, including those lighting the counter, are on dimmers, making the room easily adjustable.

A fresh new coat of Benjamin Moore Pashmina Af-100 paint on the walls, and Benjamin Moore White Dove Pm-19 paint on the trim, adds a light and neutral color that gives a fresh and crisp but warm feel.

The result: A bright, open, functional kitchen, perfect for entertaining and raising a family. The owners love it!