Kitchen Remodel Opens Up Main Living Area

A Kitchen Remodel That Ties Everything Together

This spectacular kitchen remodel completely revived the main living space in this home. With an awkward entryway and several oddly placed walls blocking the flow, the original layout was basically three fully separated areas with narrow bottlenecks leading between them. After the removal of some walls and a complete overhaul of the kitchen, this space now feels more free flowing, with an open-concept kitchen layout to unite the two main living areas.

The previously closed-off galley kitchen kept the two halves of the space separated by a ¾ wall reaching almost up to the ceiling. Another half wall curved around the dining area to create an awkward, forced layout that just wasn’t working for the homeowners. Our designer worked closely with the homeowners to make key changes that elevated and transformed this space without having to tear the whole room up. We decided to keep the signature galley layout, but removed the unsightly walls and shifted some key kitchen areas around. In place of the tall walls, we built custom cherry shiplap half walls that gave a slight separation to the areas while leaving line-of-sight open throughout the entire space.

At the far end of the kitchen, a new bar seating area gives people a place to relax and snack while appreciating the lush green yard. An extra wide quartz countertop in this area makes for a perfect kitchen prep spot, or the setting for a nice charcuterie board while you entertain. Newly added tall cabinets provide much needed storage/pantry space at the end of the kitchen, while filling a blank space in the previous layout. Open shelving on top makes use of more previously empty wall space, and gives the homeowners an opportunity to add some personality to the room.

Now let’s talk about all the incredible details of this newly remodeled kitchen. Model Remodel’s designer put care into every little choice, and the result is an incredible design that has a wow-factor and feels cohesive as a part of this already amazing space. The most striking difference is the increase in contrast, moving away from the 70’s brownish-yellow. Now, shimmering quartz countertops shine on top of dark “sepia” stained cherry wood cabinets. The custom matching cherry shiplap wall on the opposite side just adds to the unified aesthetic of the space.

The centerpiece of this Seattle kitchen design is the stove/range area. Not only does the quartz countertop extend up the wall into a custom backsplash, it also wraps around both sides to form a designated cooking zone where you’ll instantly feel like a professional chef. Even more: the backsplash is topped with another piece of quartz which forms a small shelf, and a gentle LED light strip is fitted underneath to add some practical ambience.  Above, custom open shelves use the same cherry wood to match the cabinets, and light turquoise tiles form a pleasing trestle pattern.

The Results Left Everyone Smiling

Other notable details: hand-hammered copper pendant lights add a rustic charm, multiple pull-out cabinets add tons of accessibility to the kitchen, a custom microwave shelf caters to the homeowners needs, and outlets placed in the top shelves add an extra layer of convenience.

This project was a joy to see come to life. Our signature design-build process helped the homeowners feel confident that they would be able to craft the custom kitchen of their dreams. The results speak for themselves and this home’s kitchen and main living areas now feel brand new.