The space that the living room is currently in once used to be the kitchen. It is a narrow space that didn’t offer efficient workflow and therefore we swapped places with the living room and kitchen. Now this space emphasizes symmetry with a beautiful contemporary gas fireplace that is flanked by custom shelving and two identical plush sofas. It’s not only a great place for the family to hang out in, but is a comfortable conversation area when entertaining.

Giving this 80's spec house a facelift was easily done by upgrading and updating finishes and lighting. Tweaking the layout of the kitchen area, to create an open floor plan was accomplished by removing the wall between the dining and kitchen area, and adding a wall to create a hallway. The added wall provides separation between the kitchen and the master bedroom and guest powder room. The original layout included all of those spaces in the kitchen area which didn't offer any privacy. The new layout provides an open space for entertaining.

Megan Alderson from Reico Kitchen and Bath in Salem, VA, designed a modern kitchen and powder room featuring Ultracraft cabinetry. The kitchen includes Ultracraft cabinets in the Adriatic door style with a Shark finish, paired with Cambria Portrush quartz countertops and a full-height backsplash. The powder room features the same door style in an Edgewater High Gloss finish. Megan shared, “We reworked the layout to improve workflow by removing an island, relocating the range, and moving the refrigerator. The selections were beautiful and perfect for a lake house! They wanted a focal point on the back of the peninsula, so we used molding to create an architectural detail. Ultracraft didn’t offer this type of panel, so we got creative to achieve a reeded panel look. The clients had a clear vision, and we worked together to bring it to life. It was a labor-intensive process, but the result was worth it!” Photos courtesy of Bob Sowder of The Sowder Group.

The existing kitchen was VERY traditional which did not suite the new homeowners taste and more so their functional needs. They LOVE to cook and have all the kitchen tools to create anything from Italian dishes, Asian cuisine to the finest pastries. They needed space to store all of their cooking utensils and their current kitchen just didn’t offer that. The kitchen was confined and adding additional square footage was not possible, therefore our biggest challenge was to fit all their storage and appliance needs into the existing space. Cabinets: Dura Supreme, Camden Cherry, Cashew and Lauren HDF painted Linen White. Counters: Solid Surfaces Unlimited Wisteria and Caribou Walnut. Hardware: Atlas Logan Fixtures: The Galley sink, Miele, GE Café, Sharp, Zephyre, Cove. Flooring: CoreTec Herringbone Rome Oak Mesh: The Golden Lion Tile: Happy Floors Exotic Stone Lagoon Lighting: Hudson Valley Lighting Photographer: Martin Vecchio Photography

A key addition was the new central island, finished with a waterfall-edge in the same quartz, providing additional prep space, storage, and stool seating that the original layout didn't offer. A hexagon-pattern tile backsplash was installed across the main cooking wall, adding texture and reflecting light back into the room, a clear departure from the dark mosaic tile it replaced. Stainless steel appliances, including a gas range, refrigerator, and dishwasher, were integrated into the new cabinetry layout.

Big shelves...floor space...a place for the large garbage can out of the way...the walk-in pantry provides the extra space that the kitchen just didn't offer.

Giving this 80's spec house a facelift was easily done by upgrading and updating finishes and lighting. Tweaking the layout of the kitchen area, to create an open floor plan was accomplished by removing the wall between the dining and kitchen area, and adding a wall to create a hallway. The added wall provides separation between the kitchen and the master bedroom and guest powder room. The original layout included all of those spaces in the kitchen area which didn't offer any privacy. The new layout provides an open space for entertaining.

Giving this 80's spec house a facelift was easily done by upgrading and updating finishes and lighting. Tweaking the layout of the kitchen area, to create an open floor plan was accomplished by removing the wall between the dining and kitchen area, and adding a wall to create a hallway. The added wall provides separation between the kitchen and the master bedroom and guest powder room. The original layout included all of those spaces in the kitchen area which didn't offer any privacy.

Megan Alderson from Reico Kitchen and Bath in Salem, VA, designed a modern kitchen and powder room featuring Ultracraft cabinetry. The kitchen includes Ultracraft cabinets in the Adriatic door style with a Shark finish, paired with Cambria Portrush quartz countertops and a full-height backsplash. The powder room features the same door style in an Edgewater High Gloss finish. Megan shared, “We reworked the layout to improve workflow by removing an island, relocating the range, and moving the refrigerator. The selections were beautiful and perfect for a lake house! They wanted a focal point on the back of the peninsula, so we used molding to create an architectural detail. Ultracraft didn’t offer this type of panel, so we got creative to achieve a reeded panel look. The clients had a clear vision, and we worked together to bring it to life. It was a labor-intensive process, but the result was worth it!” Photos courtesy of Bob Sowder of The Sowder Group.

Megan Alderson from Reico Kitchen and Bath in Salem, VA, designed a modern kitchen and powder room featuring Ultracraft cabinetry. The kitchen includes Ultracraft cabinets in the Adriatic door style with a Shark finish, paired with Cambria Portrush quartz countertops and a full-height backsplash. The powder room features the same door style in an Edgewater High Gloss finish. Megan shared, “We reworked the layout to improve workflow by removing an island, relocating the range, and moving the refrigerator. The selections were beautiful and perfect for a lake house! They wanted a focal point on the back of the peninsula, so we used molding to create an architectural detail. Ultracraft didn’t offer this type of panel, so we got creative to achieve a reeded panel look. The clients had a clear vision, and we worked together to bring it to life. It was a labor-intensive process, but the result was worth it!” Photos courtesy of Bob Sowder of The Sowder Group.

The existing kitchen was VERY traditional which did not suite the new homeowners taste and more so their functional needs. They LOVE to cook and have all the kitchen tools to create anything from Italian dishes, Asian cuisine to the finest pastries. They needed space to store all of their cooking utensils and their current kitchen just didn’t offer that. The kitchen was confined and adding additional square footage was not possible, therefore our biggest challenge was to fit all their storage and appliance needs into the existing space. Cabinets: Dura Supreme, Camden Cherry, Cashew and Lauren HDF painted Linen White. Counters: Solid Surfaces Unlimited Wisteria and Caribou Walnut. Hardware: Atlas Logan Fixtures: The Galley sink, Miele, GE Café, Sharp, Zephyre, Cove. Flooring: CoreTec Herringbone Rome Oak Mesh: The Golden Lion Tile: Happy Floors Exotic Stone Lagoon Lighting: Hudson Valley Lighting Photographer: Martin Vecchio Photography

The existing kitchen was VERY traditional which did not suite the new homeowners taste and more so their functional needs. They LOVE to cook and have all the kitchen tools to create anything from Italian dishes, Asian cuisine to the finest pastries. They needed space to store all of their cooking utensils and their current kitchen just didn’t offer that. The kitchen was confined and adding additional square footage was not possible, therefore our biggest challenge was to fit all their storage and appliance needs into the existing space. Cabinets: Dura Supreme, Camden Cherry, Cashew and Lauren HDF painted Linen White. Counters: Solid Surfaces Unlimited Wisteria and Caribou Walnut. Hardware: Atlas Logan Fixtures: The Galley sink, Miele, GE Café, Sharp, Zephyre, Cove. Flooring: CoreTec Herringbone Rome Oak Mesh: The Golden Lion Tile: Happy Floors Exotic Stone Lagoon Lighting: Hudson Valley Lighting Photographer: Martin Vecchio Photography

A large, sunken tub used to be in this spot. It crowded the toilet too much and didn't offer the option of a shower. We removed the tub, reframed to the floors to accept the shower, and installed the tile and quartz shower. The mosaic on the shower floor matches the large format floor tiles and the vanity countertop is repeated in the shower on the wall cap, curb, and ledge top. Chris Malacarne Photography

Jill’s primary bathroom needed more than just a facelift. The finishes felt outdated, storage space was lacking, and the layout didn’t offer a relaxing retreat. She wanted a design that was functional every day but also felt fresh and inviting. The old shower was removed down to the studs to create a brand-new custom design. Updated plumbing, waterproofing, and framing prepared the space for a much more durable and attractive setup. Walls were tiled with Bianco Lasa Matte in a vertical straight stack pattern, giving the shower clean lines and a spacious feel. A recessed niche was reframed to a larger size and finished with Blume Deco porcelain tile, creating an eye-catching accent. The shower floor was covered with Snow White recycled glass mosaic, paired with stainless Delta Trinsic fixtures for a cohesive look. A frameless glass enclosure with brushed nickel hardware opened up the room and completed the design. Old cabinetry was replaced with navy blue cabinets from Waypoint. A tall pantry cabinet in the center created more organization, while drawers and additional base cabinets maximized space. MSI Calacatta Alto quartz countertops were installed along with two undermount sinks for a clean, polished look. Delta Trinsic faucets tied in with the shower fixtures, keeping consistency throughout the bathroom. Kohler Essential framed mirrors and Kichler Crosby vanity lights centered over each sink improved balance and lighting. Satin nickel hardware from Elements completed the cabinetry, adding subtle shine against the bold cabinet finish. Carpet was replaced with Blume Deco tile, laid on a diagonal to add personality and connect with the shower niche. The water closet received the same tile, a new Miseno Bella dual-flush toilet, updated Delta accessories, and two new exhaust fans for better comfort.

The existing kitchen was VERY traditional which did not suite the new homeowners taste and more so their functional needs. They LOVE to cook and have all the kitchen tools to create anything from Italian dishes, Asian cuisine to the finest pastries. They needed space to store all of their cooking utensils and their current kitchen just didn’t offer that. The kitchen was confined and adding additional square footage was not possible, therefore our biggest challenge was to fit all their storage and appliance needs into the existing space. Cabinets: Dura Supreme, Camden Cherry, Cashew and Lauren HDF painted Linen White. Counters: Solid Surfaces Unlimited Wisteria and Caribou Walnut. Hardware: Atlas Logan Fixtures: The Galley sink, Miele, GE Café, Sharp, Zephyre, Cove. Flooring: CoreTec Herringbone Rome Oak Mesh: The Golden Lion Tile: Happy Floors Exotic Stone Lagoon Lighting: Hudson Valley Lighting Photographer: Martin Vecchio Photography

Giving this 80's spec house a facelift was easily done by upgrading and updating finishes and lighting. Tweaking the layout of the kitchen area, to create an open floor plan was accomplished by removing the wall between the dining and kitchen area, and adding a wall to create a hallway. The added wall provides separation between the kitchen and the master bedroom and guest powder room. The original layout included all of those spaces in the kitchen area which didn't offer any privacy. The new layout provides an open space for entertaining.

The existing kitchen was VERY traditional which did not suite the new homeowners taste and more so their functional needs. They LOVE to cook and have all the kitchen tools to create anything from Italian dishes, Asian cuisine to the finest pastries. They needed space to store all of their cooking utensils and their current kitchen just didn’t offer that. The kitchen was confined and adding additional square footage was not possible, therefore our biggest challenge was to fit all their storage and appliance needs into the existing space. Cabinets: Dura Supreme, Camden Cherry, Cashew and Lauren HDF painted Linen White. Counters: Solid Surfaces Unlimited Wisteria and Caribou Walnut. Hardware: Atlas Logan Fixtures: The Galley sink, Miele, GE Café, Sharp, Zephyre, Cove. Flooring: CoreTec Herringbone Rome Oak Mesh: The Golden Lion Tile: Happy Floors Exotic Stone Lagoon Lighting: Hudson Valley Lighting Photographer: Martin Vecchio Photography

Megan Alderson from Reico Kitchen and Bath in Salem, VA, designed a modern kitchen and powder room featuring Ultracraft cabinetry. The kitchen includes Ultracraft cabinets in the Adriatic door style with a Shark finish, paired with Cambria Portrush quartz countertops and a full-height backsplash. The powder room features the same door style in an Edgewater High Gloss finish. Megan shared, “We reworked the layout to improve workflow by removing an island, relocating the range, and moving the refrigerator. The selections were beautiful and perfect for a lake house! They wanted a focal point on the back of the peninsula, so we used molding to create an architectural detail. Ultracraft didn’t offer this type of panel, so we got creative to achieve a reeded panel look. The clients had a clear vision, and we worked together to bring it to life. It was a labor-intensive process, but the result was worth it!” Photos courtesy of Bob Sowder of The Sowder Group.

Giving this 80's spec house a facelift was easily done by upgrading and updating finishes and lighting. Tweaking the layout of the kitchen area, to create an open floor plan was accomplished by removing the wall between the dining and kitchen area, and adding a wall to create a hallway. The added wall provides separation between the kitchen and the master bedroom and guest powder room. The original layout included all of those spaces in the kitchen area which didn't offer any privacy. The new layout provides an open space for entertaining.