Before, this kitchen felt dated and lacked the functionality today’s homeowner needs. A bulky peninsula interrupted the flow, storage was limited, and the layout didn’t maximize usable workspace or reflect how the homeowner wanted to live in the space. Now to the After… By removing the peninsula, we opened up the kitchen and extended the countertop along the window and wall, creating significantly more usable prep space and a brighter, more open feel. We also added a dedicated serving and pantry area along the dining room wall, giving the homeowner both additional storage and a functional space for entertaining. This transitional kitchen remodel blends timeless design with modern functionality using all-new cabinetry in a rich Slate-stained finish on Birch wood with the sleek Catalina door style. The space is elevated with stunning Calacatta Laza quartz countertops and a full-height backsplash, creating a clean, seamless look that instantly modernizes the kitchen. But this transformation isn’t just about looks. It is built for real life. Thoughtful upgrades like rollout shelves, a two-tier cutlery drawer, utensil and spice pullouts, a blind corner swing-out, and a double 50qt trash pullout maximize every inch of storage and make daily use effortless. The addition of solid maple floating shelves brings warmth and a custom, personalized touch. The result is a kitchen that feels open, organized, and designed around how the homeowner actually lives. It is beautiful, functional, and perfect for everyday use and entertaining.

Check out all the counter space!!! This space is perfect for anyone that loves to cook!!!! So much prep space and so functional.
Transitional u-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen photo with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and beige countertops

The design reworked the relationship between the living area and kitchen to improve sightlines, accessibility, and everyday functionality. Bar seating creates a natural transition between spaces while maintaining an open, connected feel. Strategic furniture placement ensures seamless movement between zones, supporting both casual living and entertaining within a compact footprint.

Modern kitchen with rift-cut white oak cabinetry and a natural stone island.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary light wood floor and beige floor kitchen remodel in Minneapolis with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartzite countertops, beige backsplash, quartz backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and beige countertops

Our clients wanted to utilize this particular area of their home and really give it a function. It has been many things over the years: bonus room, dining area, etc. The kitchen is the natural gathering spot. They wanted to create a space that was an extension of the kitchen for entertaining and serving family and friends. Architect, Cynthia Karegeannes was hired to draw up plans for a mudroom to corral the couple’s two dogs and stash the pet’s leashes, treats, etc. A large butler pantry was imagined with a full size refrigerator, prep sink, dishwasher and custom cabinetry to have items handy for entertaining. Innovative Construction, helped finalize the details and implemented the plans for the new addition. Interior Designer, Beth Weltlich with The House Dressing worked with homeowners, to select materials and finishes to unify the areas of the existing kitchen and the new spaces. A custom banquette was created with room under the staircase so that all of the space could be utilized. Furniture and accessories are still in the works as the homeowners let the area evolve to see exactly what their needs are. A collaborative effort-for sure! The challenges included creating three separate areas (mudroom, banquette and butler pantry) with storage and versatility in one existing space. Having this additional space that was not always utilized, the homeowners feel the new addition will become an integral part of the families' living area.

Brady Architectural Photography
Example of a mid-sized arts and crafts medium tone wood floor great room design in San Diego with white walls and no fireplace

Kitchen photography project in Quincy, MA 8 19 19 Design: Amy Lynn Interiors Interiors by Raquel Photography: Keitaro Yoshioka Photography
Home bar - small transitional single-wall light wood floor and beige floor home bar idea in Boston with no sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops, white backsplash, wood backsplash and beige countertops

This walnut wet bar is a continuation of the mid-century modern kitchen in both style and function. The homeowner enjoys entertaining guests and the creation of a bar adjacent to the kitchen and dining area make for fantastic dinner parties.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Having a space for their teenage kids to hang out after school, study and interact with Mom & Dad was at the top of the list for this remodel. The 1928 home, sits in a lovely Glen Ellyn neighborhood, near downtown and near all the action of the local high school and lake. It’s was a great house with great bones but the kitchen was in need of some TLC. The remodel project had been a long time coming, and since both the homeowners work from home, they had been nervous about disrupting their bustling daily schedules to get the project in motion. Once we had a plan in place, we dug in and got to work. The first step was to remove a non-load bearing wall between the kitchen and dining room. We then reworked the space a bit, eliminating a redundant passage way to the hall, and reworking a closet to allow for a large galley style kitchen and small bar area open to the dining room. The new kitchen has a small peninsula for the family to have casual meals and for the kids to hang out after school. A window was eliminated to give more space for cabinetry and storage, and another window was made larger to allow for a grander view into the backyard. We decided upon a layered approach to this space to provide character appropriate to the older home. White painted cabinetry provides a backdrop for interesting touches such as gray herringbone tile, a reeded farmhouse sink and bronze hardware and lighting. The bar has its own unique look featuring gray cabinetry with a patterned cement tile backsplash and walnut top. A bar fridge, glass cabinets and baskets for tucking away homework give this little multi-functional area loads of character. A miniature mudroom area was also added to the dining room so that the new space can be kept neat and tidy. The stylish result looks both appropriate to the 1928 home and provides loads of functionality for this active family that can now take advantage of every square inch their home. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Alan Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in DC Metro with white cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

A contemporary kitchen with a spacious island, modern lighting fixtures, and an open layout, perfect for hosting and everyday use.
Inspiration for a craftsman light wood floor and beige floor kitchen remodel in Houston with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, beige cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

This sleek kitchen space used to be about half the size and twice as hard to use. Originally a "g-shape" we opened up walls and removed some windows to create a truly functional and friendly space. Flush and integrated appliances uplift the look and create a truly customized kitchen.

This remodel was all about blending functionality with style. We began by referring a trusted painter to refresh the cabinets, then customized the layout to maximize storage and add character. The cabinet mullions were removed to allow for full-width rollouts, while the old desk area was reimagined into a beautiful custom wine rack cabinet with natural maple racks and a new beverage refrigerator. A tailored tray divider was crafted to perfectly fit the cooktop cabinet, and additional rollouts with adjustable pilasters were installed for easy access and organization. To complete the transformation, we installed Calacatta Laza quartz countertops with dramatic waterfall ends on the island and a full-wall quartz splash for a seamless, luxurious finish. The refinished dark walnut flooring ties the entire space together, creating a warm and elegant backdrop. The result is a kitchen that’s as functional as it is beautiful—ready for everyday living and effortless entertaining.

This remodel was all about blending functionality with style. We began by referring a trusted painter to refresh the cabinets, then customized the layout to maximize storage and add character. The cabinet mullions were removed to allow for full-width rollouts, while the old desk area was reimagined into a beautiful custom wine rack cabinet with natural maple racks and a new beverage refrigerator. A tailored tray divider was crafted to perfectly fit the cooktop cabinet, and additional rollouts with adjustable pilasters were installed for easy access and organization. To complete the transformation, we installed Calacatta Laza quartz countertops with dramatic waterfall ends on the island and a full-wall quartz splash for a seamless, luxurious finish. The refinished dark walnut flooring ties the entire space together, creating a warm and elegant backdrop. The result is a kitchen that’s as functional as it is beautiful—ready for everyday living and effortless entertaining.

Before, this kitchen felt dated and lacked the functionality today’s homeowner needs. A bulky peninsula interrupted the flow, storage was limited, and the layout didn’t maximize usable workspace or reflect how the homeowner wanted to live in the space. Now to the After… By removing the peninsula, we opened up the kitchen and extended the countertop along the window and wall, creating significantly more usable prep space and a brighter, more open feel. We also added a dedicated serving and pantry area along the dining room wall, giving the homeowner both additional storage and a functional space for entertaining. This transitional kitchen remodel blends timeless design with modern functionality using all-new cabinetry in a rich Slate-stained finish on Birch wood with the sleek Catalina door style. The space is elevated with stunning Calacatta Laza quartz countertops and a full-height backsplash, creating a clean, seamless look that instantly modernizes the kitchen. But this transformation isn’t just about looks. It is built for real life. Thoughtful upgrades like rollout shelves, a two-tier cutlery drawer, utensil and spice pullouts, a blind corner swing-out, and a double 50qt trash pullout maximize every inch of storage and make daily use effortless. The addition of solid maple floating shelves brings warmth and a custom, personalized touch. The result is a kitchen that feels open, organized, and designed around how the homeowner actually lives. It is beautiful, functional, and perfect for everyday use and entertaining.

Glencoe, IL kitchen remodel has small butler's pantry accommodating a breakfast beverage center and wine storage. Upper cabinets have wire mesh panels. Transitional style white custom kitchen cabinets built in Benvenuti and Stein's Evanston cabinet shop. Norman Sizemore-photographer

Example of a classic l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen design in Boston with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash and white countertops

The dining room offers a welcoming space for everyday meals and special gatherings alike. Thoughtfully positioned between the kitchen and great room, it features elegant lighting and an open layout that encourages connection. Its design blends warmth and sophistication, making it the heart of shared moments.

Example of a mid-sized beach style l-shaped light wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen design in Philadelphia with shaker cabinets, blue backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, white countertops, a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, quartzite countertops and ceramic backsplash