This main floor remodel in Leawood, Kansas, is a classic example of how strategic remodeling can elevate a home's aesthetics and functionality. The existing space suffered from a cluttered layout that compromised flow and a dark, dated aesthetic. Our mission was to completely transform the area into a modern, sleek, and glamorous open concept living space. Designers Donna Kirsopp and Kenny Choikhit achieved this by reconfiguring the kitchen floor plan to drastically improve workflow and replacing heavy, dark finishes with a bright, sophisticated palette. The result is a seamless connection between the kitchen and living room, with high-end design elements like the custom millwork, statement lighting, and a stunning textured fireplace feature.
Table of Contents
- The Challenge: A Cluttered Layout and Dated Aesthetic
- Our Vision: Modern Sleek Glamour & Improved Flow
- Renderings & Floor Plans: A Glimpse of the Future
- The Remodeling Process: Reimagining the Floor Plan with Strategic Layout Changes
- The After Reveal: Modern Sleek Glamour
- Project Spotlight: Unique Design Details
- Ready to Reimagine Your KC Home?
The Challenge: A Cluttered Layout and Dated Aesthetic
The original main floor, though large, felt heavy and inefficient. The aesthetic was dominated by finishes and fixtures common in the 2000s, which made the space feel dark and closed off. Our client loves to bake, and the space didn't flow well for how she actually moved through the space. The living room tv was set back in the corner and at an awkward level, it could only be seen from a few chairs in the living room and our client's wished for a better layout of this space.
- Dated & Dark: Dark wood cabinetry, busy granite countertops, and traditional trim created a heavy look.
- Poor Flow: The kitchen's U-shape and island placement restricted movement, and the transition into the living room felt abrupt, contributing to a cluttered layout that didn't flow.
- Oversized Features: The traditional wood fireplace built-ins, while functional, visually dominated the living room and detracted from a modern, open feel.
Our Vision: Modern Sleek Glamour & Improved Flow
Our design objective was clear: to deliver a modern, sleek, glamourous look while making critical changes to the kitchen floor plan layout to flow so much nicer. The new design focuses on a light, airy palette with sophisticated contrast provided by matte black and natural wood accents.
Floor Plans & 3D Renderings: A Glimpse of the Future
As-built main floor plans prior to the remodel.
New floor plans for the main floor creating an open-concept space.
3D rendering showing the new kitchen and coffee bar area.
3D rendering showing ovens and fridge wall of cabinetry.
3D rendering of the new fireplace and living room storage.
The Remodeling Process: Reimagining the Floor Plan
Strategic Layout Changes
The greatest impact came from the strategic demolition and reconfiguration of the kitchen which was led by Project Manager Joe Meagher and overseen by Director, Andy Gower. We relocated some of the appliances and created a large, central island that acts as the heart of the home. This single change unlocked the flow, creating a clear, direct sightline and path from the kitchen, into both the dining area and living area.
The fireplace wall was designed to become a true statement focal point. We removed the original built-in cabinetry and outdated fireplace, then framed the wall out an additional two feet to accommodate a sleek new fireplace and surround. Custom cabinetry and floating shelves were added to bring both style and function to the space, creating a lighter, more modern feel.
To meet the clients’ goal of enjoying their TV from both the living room and kitchen, we added an outlet and mounted the TV front and center above the mantel. The goal was to create a refreshed feature wall that blends clean design with everyday convenience.
The "After" Reveal: Modern Sleek Glamour
The new kitchen island is large and multifunctional. It provides seating, a clean-up zone, with enough space to meal prep at the other end!
We completely updated the home's visual identity, moving it past its traditional suburban roots and into a highly contemporary, elevated space.
The kitchen now flows naturally into the dining area and living room. The design feels intentionally cohesive.
Project Spotlight: Unique Design Details
What we love: The combination of textures: the smooth, light quartz countertops, the warmth of the natural wood island, and the incredible dimension of the textured fireplace tiles. The contrasting creamy whites and deep black tones add that modern drama our clients were looking for.
Kitchen: Cabinetry is Crestwood custom maple in the finish Icing for the perimeters and coffee bar. The upper cabinetry flanking the range hood feature inset glass framed by an almost black, Raven finish. The island is white oak in the finish Trigo. Counters are Cambria Ironsbridge, the side nearest the living room features a waterfall edge to add a subtle drama. We also used the same quartz as full height backsplash in the main kitchen area to add to the sleek drama.
Lighting: Progress Lighting Silva Collection Three-Light Pendant Brushed Bronze hung above island, adding symmetry while framing the range hood.
Plumbing Fixtures: Kitchen sink is a white farmhouse inspired Blanco VINTERA 30 Silgranit for a sleek look. The Brizo Litze Single Handle Angled Spout Pull Down Kitchen Faucet with Knurled Handle faucet features black and gold to tie into the sophisticated mixed metal look our clients wanted. The soap dispenser is also from Brizo for a cohesive feel.
Coffee Bar: features Raku Line White tiles laid vertically with white oak floating shelves in the finish Trigo to compliment the adjacent kitchen island. The counters are Cambria Delamere to contrast the creamy bright tones in the space.
Fireplace: Ambiance Illusion Gas Collection Model: Illusion 56 and fireplace surround tile is Porcelanosa Contour White 13"x39" tiles laid vertically with even grout lines. The custom Crestwood cabinetry on either side of the fireplace is in the finish Raven to help anchor the bright space.
Cabinet Hardware: Top Knobs Kingsbridge 5 Inch from the Devon Series in the finish Honey Bronze were used throughout the kitchen, coffee bar and fireplace area.
Ready to Reimagine Your KC Home?
If your home in Leawood or the greater Kansas City area is ready to move past a dated, cluttered aesthetic, our team is ready to help. We specialize in transforming challenging layouts into beautiful, functional, and magazine-worthy spaces.
Contact our team today to start the conversation about your home remodel!
Looking for more kitchen remodeling inspiration? Check out our kitchen gallery here.