A Stunning Kitchen Remodel Rooted in Pacific Northwest and Midcentury Style
Located just south of Seattle, this award winning kitchen remodel by Model Remodel is part of a stunning whole house transformation. With strong influences from both Midcentury Modern and Pacific Northwest Regional styles, this beautifully crafted kitchen made waves in 2024’s remodeling awards circuit, earning four remodeling design awards. Here’s a closer look at what made this remodel a winner.
BEFORE & AFTER
1. A Revitalized Layout
This kitchen was formerly a closed-off U-shaped layout with obtrusive hanging cabinets that blocked light and flow between spaces. A dividing wall further disconnected the kitchen from the adjacent living room, making entertaining and connection a challenge. The remodel completely changed the feel and function of the space by changing the kitchen layout to an open-concept design, removing part of the obstructing wall, and turning the peninsula into an island, taking down the hanging cabinets in the process. These changes brought a new life to this space, adding an effortless flow and clear sightlines across the main level.
Opening up the wall in the center instead of the side allowed our team to relocate the steps from the split-level living room, and add a custom-built dual-sided bar where the stairway was previously. The new space invites conversation and connection, whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a large gathering. All of these layout changes combined make an appealing case for the core purpose of this remodel: to improve a dated kitchen both aesthetically and functionally.
2. A Unique and Elegant Design
From every angle, this kitchen presents a sophisticated, curated aesthetic that takes classic styles and gives them an unmistakable modern twist. The modern design elements were carefully chosen to bring about a unique new look while respecting the home’s architectural heritage. Slab-front cabinetry made from teak and ebony wood delivers a streamlined look, while matte black hardware give the design a bold and sleek finish.
A modern design – unique enough to stand out while echoing strong notes of the home’s architectural history.
The open shelving around the range, instead of upper cabinets, helps lighten the space and highlights the mesmerizing ocean blue kit-kat tile—an intricate backsplash that adds texture and a pop of color. These design decisions collectively produce a unique and memorable kitchen that showcases the design sensibilities of Model Remodel’s fantastic design team.
3. Preserving the Vintage Charm
A standout feature that tells the story of the home’s origins is the Jetsons-style pull-out wall toaster. Once located near the sliding doors, this nostalgic relic was too iconic to part with. Our team smartly relocated it to a custom column by the fireplace, blending it into the updated space while celebrating the home’s midcentury past.
Vintage elements like this add warmth, history, and personality to the design, proving that not all upgrades mean replacing every single thing. In fact, by retaining key original elements, the remodel pays homage to the spirit of the home, creating a beautiful blend of old and new.
4. A Huge Island Centerpiece with Seating
At the center of the kitchen is a truly impressive oversized island, topped with a dramatic three-legged waterfall white quartz countertop. This gorgeous island is more than a design feature—it’s a place to chat, snack, sit, relax, and enjoy the open space that this room offers. The island’s thoughtful configuration offers ample built-in storage, and built-in seating that adds a layer of convenience. The oversized countertop grounds the kitchen and provides the space for prepping, cooking, snacking, or relaxing.
With precise proportions design to balance the space, this expansive island serves as the central hub of the kitchen.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a casual family breakfast, this island is designed to deliver on every front. It’s bold choices like this one – executed perfectly – that bring this kitchen to the next level.
5. Elevated Luxury Materials
Material selection played a key role in elevating this space. From the luxurious quartz countertops to the textured tile backsplash, and matte black accents, every surface was chosen with intention. The kitchen’s teak slab-front cabinetry is sleek and durable, offering a textural richness that ties in beautifully with the surrounding materials.
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring was chosen to echo the natural hues found in the rest of the home, bringing a unified look. These materials were not just selected for their appearance, but also for their durability and ease of maintenance, making this kitchen a high-performing work of art.
6. Sustainable and Smart Design
Sustainability was a priority in this remodel as it is with all Model Remodel builds. Throughout the kitchen and home, materials were chosen for longevity and environmental friendliness, while demo materials were recycled for future re-use. The open-concept design also improves natural lighting, reducing the need for daytime electricity, and high efficiency heating and AC was added to keep energy costs down. By retaining existing architectural elements and repurposing materials where possible, the remodel reduced waste while delivering a modernized, energy-efficient home.
7. Details That Spark Inspiration
Like many Model Remodel projects, It’s the thoughtful details that transform this remodel from functional to extraordinary. Details like: wooden interiors in the island seating area, upward lifting cabinets for high-up storage, custom dropped shelves above the range, and so much more. The dual-sided bar brings in a clever way to entertain guests, while the carefully crafted island makes use of very precise dimensions to create a balanced and proportional look.
From design selections to careful craftsmanship, this kitchen perfectly displays Model Remodel’s eye for detail.
Even small touches—like the custom cut corner between the wood and stone walls —add layers of charm that make this home one-of-a-kind.
8. A Seamless Blend with the Home
The kitchen design didn’t happen in isolation—it was part of a full home remodel that honored the architecture while reimagining the look and feel of the home. The newly created open-concept kitchen connects the sunken midcentury living room, the fireplace lounge and dining room, and the kitchen into one fluid space.
Materials like wood, quartz, tile, and bold black accents are carried throughout, including the primary bathroom, where mint green kit-kat tile provides a fresh twist on the kitchen’s ocean blue tile. This consistent use of palette and pattern ensures a seamless visual narrative across the entire home. These instances of aesthetic unity are key to an award-winning kitchen design.
9. Functionality at the Core
While beauty and design drew accolades, functionality was at the core of every decision. The kitchen was tailored to support a multigenerational household, offering enough seating, storage, and counter space to serve different needs simultaneously.
A beautiful kitchen is nothing without a perfectly functional layout and design.
The island doubles as a prep zone and breakfast bar. The layout ensures easy access to key appliances. Sightlines allow parents to watch their kids while cooking, and open flow means family and friends can gather without crowding. Smart storage solutions and strategic lighting further ensure that every inch of this kitchen works hard without compromising style.
Want an Award-Winning Kitchen in Your Home?
Model Remodel is a Seattle based design-build remodeling contractor with a penchant for sustainability and thoughtful design. We’ve received over 100 awards for our projects over 23+ years, and your home could be the next! If you have questions or are ready to start drawing up plans, feel free to contact us to get the conversation started.
This kitchen remodel excels by blending midcentury nostalgia with a modern lifestyle, sustainability, and multigenerational comfort. It’s beautiful, practical, and reflective of its surroundings—as any thoughtful remodel should be. Whether you’re planning your own kitchen remodel or just love inspired design, this project is here to show you an example of Model Remodel at its most refined!
