L-Shaped Kitchen Remodel Keeps Layout, Swaps Old for New

Designer: Cat Schmidt, Model Remodel

Location: Magnolia, Seattle, WA

Scope: Kitchen, Fireplace

Sustainability: low-VOC paint, 80-90% recycle rate

This l-shaped kitchen was just a few swaps away from realizing its full potential. The homeowners, understandably, sought an updated look and a few tweaks to the design that would fit their family needs better. The goal was to keep the existing l-shaped kitchen layout, while swapping out the cabinets and some appliances for newer versions. Originally, the intent was to keep the countertops, but early in the design process it was realized that new quartz countertops would go a long way in giving the space a more modern feel. By removing the island seating in lieu of more storage, adding a bold yet simple backsplash, and installing new cabinets, the kitchen now feels intentional.

It’s the personal details of this Magnolia kitchen remodel that make it shine the brightest. Since the dining room is directly adjacent to the kitchen, island seating was redundant. The new plan eliminates the island seating, but adds more easy-access storage in its place. Extra cabinets were also added above the refrigerator and neighboring wall, replacing the standard-height upper cabinets with ceiling-height ones.

A wine fridge now lives in the space where a built-in desk went unused, and a taller pull-out cabinet was installed near the refrigerator for recycling and trash bins. The built-in countertop compost bin and pop-up electrical outlet add versatility without obstructing the surface of the island, and a properly installed outlet on the island is a permanent version of the makeshift power strip that was once mounted there. Finally, for a family that cooks a lot, a range hood is a must-have! The Vent-A-Hood adds functionality and style to the cooktop area in this l-shaped kitchen remodel.

Though most of the design is neutral, a beautiful, dark blue subway tile combo was chosen for the backsplash. The two Pental tile types, one with texture and one without, are visually stunning and elongate the kitchen by wrapping around (and even extending back into the butler’s pantry).

In the living room, we remodeled the fireplace to add a modern focal point and compliment the kitchen countertops. A beautiful walnut mantel separates and protects the gas fireplace from the TV mounted above. The goal of the fireplace remodel was to take up less space, so we bumped out the exterior of the home in order to push back the fireplace and open up the room. We also swapped carpet for hardwood, thus finishing off this open-concept kitchen, dining and living space. Now the family of five has a heart of the home designed just for them.

Photos: Cindy Apple Photography

BEFORE & AFTER

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