Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in Kansas City

This beautifully curated transitional kitchen blends warmth, functionality, and fresh design. Rich wood cabinetry along the range wall adds timeless depth, while soft sage green base cabinets and glass-front uppers at the beverage station introduce a light, organic contrast. At the heart of the space is a spacious island in a muted sage tone, topped with crisp white quartz countertops and anchored by five sleek black bar stools. A matte black pull-down faucet and trio of modern globe pendant lights create a balanced mix of traditional charm and contemporary edge. Stainless steel appliances—including a built-in oven/microwave combo, double-door refrigerator, and a chimney-style range hood—blend seamlessly into the cabinetry. Wide-plank wood flooring and minimalist black hardware complete this inviting, functional space that feels both grounded and fresh.

This kitchen remodel of a 70’s home reflects the character of the existing home and some design features of that era while giving it a fresh, modern look. The client wanted the remodeled space to blend in with the rest of the home, retaining some of the 1970’s character while including all the best features of today’s kitchens. Removing the wall separating the informal eating area from the family room provided a nice open space allowing for a larger kitchen footprint and plenty of light throughout. A combination of Decor's Dove Wing painted and Natural stained Walnut cabinetry was chosen. The dark walnut, slab lower cabinets unite the kitchen with the darker wood theme found throughout the home, while the white, slim-shaker upper cabinets give the space a light and airy feeling. The beautiful vertical grain of the walnut is the foundation of a theme that is echoed throughout the space: tall & thin vertical lines without bulk or needless ornamentation. The unique design detail gives the kitchen a great balance of depth and character while still brightening the space. Walnut crown molding throughout defines the space and ties everything together. The vertical-set green Japanese tile from Virginia Tile, also characteristic of the 1970’s, serves as the backsplash and fills the range wall. The tall & slim theme is underscored by several design elements from the vertical tile and tall cabinet pulls in matte black from Top Knobs, to the thin quartz countertops, skinny shaker cabinet door style, and tall, slim refrigerator doors, all meant to eliminate excess bulk and lighten up the space. An impressive focal point in this kitchen is the custom walnut reeded hood, designed to reflect a popular 1970’s feature. Narrow walnut shelves below the white upper cabinets near the refrigerator provide a nice surprise to the eye. An extra long island, decked in polished 2cm Corian Quartz countertop in Novello, provides ample seating, storage, and task space, making it an ideal surface for serving, eating, meal prep, gathering, and entertaining. The client desired a long island with comfortable counter seating at one end for a family of five, including space for a baby’s high chair. High-end Bosch appliances and functional storage were also priorities. The dry bar on the opposite wall features additional storage and an Elica beverage refrigerator, framed by tall walnut larder cabinets on each end. The white larder cabinet doors pocket into the sides, revealing beautiful finished walnut interiors. Wall cabinets feature Decor’s integrated under-cabinet lighting, while puck lights illuminate the beverage center counter. This kitchen is bursting with integrated storage. Many deep drawers feature interior double drawers making smaller items more accessible. Decor’s spice drawer to the right of the range keeps spices organized, while divided tray storage on the left of the range keeps these taller items handy. While the design is inspired by the 1970’s, it exemplifies the best of the 2020’s, and the new space is open, bright, and functional for this family with young children.

Eagan, MN kitchen remodel by White Birch Design, serving the Minneapolis and St. Paul area. To learn more about us and see more examples of our work, visit our website at www.whitebirchdesignllc.com

The primary goal of this basement project was to give these homeowners more space: both for their own everyday use and for guests. By excavating an unusable crawl space, we were able to build out a full basement with 9’ high ceilings, a guest bedroom, a full bathroom, a gym, a large storage room, and a spacious entertainment room that includes a kitchenette. In all, the homeowners gained over 1,100 of finished space.

This was a full gut an renovation. The existing kitchen had very dated cabinets and didn't function well for the clients. A previous desk area was turned into hidden cabinetry to house the microwave and larger appliances and to keep the countertops clutter free. The original pendants were about 4" wide and were inappropriate for the large island. They were replaced with larger, brighter and more sophisticated pendants. The use of panel ready appliances with large matte black hardware made gave this a clean and sophisticated look. Mosaic tile was installed from the countertop to the ceiling and wall sconces were installed over the kitchen window. A different tile was used in the bar area which has a beverage refrigerator and an ice machine and floating shelves. The cabinetry in this area also includes a pullout drawer for dog food.

Picture Perfect House
Kitchen - large transitional dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen idea in Chicago with white cabinets, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, white countertops, quartzite countertops and shaker cabinets

Eagan, MN kitchen remodel by White Birch Design, serving the Minneapolis and St. Paul area. To learn more about us and see more examples of our work, visit our website at www.whitebirchdesignllc.com

By removing the closets there was enough space to add the needed appliances, plumbing and cabinets to transform this space into a luxury bar area. While incorporating the adjacent space’s materials and finishes (stained walnut cabinets, painted maple cabinets and matte quartz countertops with a hint of gold and purple glitz), a distinctive style was created by using the white maple cabinets for wall cabinets and the slab walnut veneer for base cabinets to anchor the space. The centered glass door wall cabinet provides an ideal location for displaying drinkware while the floating shelves serve as a display for three-dimensional art. To provide maximum function, roll out trays and a two-tiered cutlery divider was integrated into the cabinets. In addition, the bar includes integrated wine storage with refrigerator drawers which is ideal not only for wine but also bottled water, mixers and condiments for the bar. This entertainment area was finished by adding an integrated ice maker and a Galley sink, which is a workstation equipped with a 5-piece culinary kit including cutting board, drying rack, colander, bowl, and lower-tier platform, providing pure luxury for slicing garnishes and condiments for cocktail hour.

Emily Followill
Enclosed kitchen - mid-sized transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen idea in Atlanta with marble countertops, a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Blending modern comfort with rustic warmth, this wide-angle view captures the seamless design of the entire lower-level space. A stylish wet bar is outfitted with dual beverage fridges, matte black fixtures, and open shelving for glassware and decor. The adjacent game area adds a sense of fun while the rich wood tones and clean white surfaces keep the space feeling elevated and timeless.

Wellborn Premier Prairie Maple Shaker Doors, Bleu Color, Amerock Satin Brass Bar Pulls, Delta Satin Brass Touch Faucet, Kraus Deep Undermount Sik, Gray Quartz Countertops, GE Profile Slate Gray Matte Finish Appliances, Brushed Gold Light Fixtures, Floor & Decor Printed Porcelain Tiles w/ Vintage Details, Floating Stained Shelves for Coffee Bar, Neptune Synergy Mixed Width Water Proof San Marcos Color Vinyl Snap Down Plank Flooring, Brushed Nickel Outlet Covers, Zline Drop in 30" Cooktop, Rev-a-Shelf Lazy Susan, Double Super Trash Pullout, & Spice Rack, this little Galley has it ALL!

ustic Meets Modern: A Stylish Bathroom Vanity Moment This beautiful bathroom vanity effortlessly combines rustic charm with modern sophistication. The natural wood finish of the custom vanity brings warmth and texture, while the clean lines and matte black hardware offer a contemporary edge. The standout farmhouse-style apron sink adds a functional yet stylish focal point, perfectly paired with sleek matte black faucets for a cohesive look. A large, rectangular black-framed mirror with rounded corners creates an elegant contrast, flanked by modern glass sconces that provide soft, ambient lighting. Thoughtfully designed to balance warmth and simplicity, this vanity space feels fresh, timeless, and inviting.

This incredible kitchen from the #McQueenRockRunRD Project captures the personal style of the home-owners as well as our design team in perfect harmony. Many separate areas of this space keep company entertained- with an island for seating, a beverage station, and a T.V. for guests to be entertained (or the cook to watch that YouTube tutorial of their "secret" recipe).

View of kitchen from dining shows galley kitchen layout contrasting dark and light features, and concealed beverage area at far wall - Architecture/Interiors/Renderings/Photography: HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles - Construction Manager: WERK | Building Modern

This was a full gut an renovation. The existing kitchen had very dated cabinets and didn't function well for the clients. A previous desk area was turned into hidden cabinetry to house the microwave and larger appliances and to keep the countertops clutter free. The original pendants were about 4" wide and were inappropriate for the large island. They were replaced with larger, brighter and more sophisticated pendants. The use of panel ready appliances with large matte black hardware made gave this a clean and sophisticated look. Mosaic tile was installed from the countertop to the ceiling and wall sconces were installed over the kitchen window. A different tile was used in the bar area which has a beverage refrigerator and an ice machine and floating shelves. The cabinetry in this area also includes a pullout drawer for dog food.

This was a full gut an renovation. The existing kitchen had very dated cabinets and didn't function well for the clients. A previous desk area was turned into hidden cabinetry to house the microwave and larger appliances and to keep the countertops clutter free. The original pendants were about 4" wide and were inappropriate for the large island. They were replaced with larger, brighter and more sophisticated pendants. The use of panel ready appliances with large matte black hardware made gave this a clean and sophisticated look. Mosaic tile was installed from the countertop to the ceiling and wall sconces were installed over the kitchen window. A different tile was used in the bar area which has a beverage refrigerator and an ice machine and floating shelves. The cabinetry in this area also includes a pullout drawer for dog food.

This incredible kitchen from the #McQueenRockRunRD Project captures the personal style of the home-owners as well as our design team in perfect harmony. Many separate areas of this space keep company entertained- with an island for seating, a beverage station, and a T.V. for guests to be entertained (or the cook to watch that YouTube tutorial of their "secret" recipe).

Eagan, MN kitchen remodel by White Birch Design, serving the Minneapolis and St. Paul area. To learn more about us and see more examples of our work, visit our website at www.whitebirchdesignllc.com