Located on a hill overlooking the Blanco River sits a ranch house that’s been owned by the same family since 1939. In the 1970’s, the kitchen went through a renovation to “modernize” it, which ended up hiding the natural qualities behind laminated walls and counters and outdated cabinetry. Now, the family wanted to “modernize” the kitchen once again to bring back the old aesthetic with a contemporary twist.

Because of the layout, the kitchen was small and cramped. The refrigerator jutted into the room, restricting flow and the counters in front of the windows limited the natural light. In addition to problems with the layout, the finishes were outdated. The laminate of the kitchen counters extended up the wall, covering the original stone wall. Worn vinyl covered the floors.

For the new design the outdated cabinets were removed, revealing the perfectly preserved native stone wall. New, backless Cypress cabinets and shelves were attached directly onto the wall, allowing the stone to peep through. A new cast iron sink was relocated further down the counter. The old range was replaced with a Miele cooktop and oven with a Jenn-Air vent hood. New granite counters, schoolhouse pendants, recessed lighting and walnut floors complete the look.

While one of the main goals for the kitchen was for it to be more aesthetically pleasing, the owners also needed more space. To achieve this goal, the extra side counters were removed. The old pantry was downsized to open shelving and the water heater closet was replaced with a new tankless heater installed on the exterior. This allowed for the refrigerator to be recessed into the wall

With this kitchen transformation, the family has room to cook and socialize, and appreciate the natural beauty of the kitchen.