This nearly 100-year-old brick Colonial in Armour Hills, Kansas City offered undeniable charm; however, its dated kitchen and closed-off layout no longer supported the needs of the busy young family who called it home. Because the homeowners love to cook, entertain, and spend time together, they needed a kitchen that felt open, bright, and highly functional—without sacrificing the home’s traditional character. Their vision led to a full kitchen remodel in Armour Hills that would honor the home’s history while updating it for modern family life.
Guided by designer Brenda Axman, with Jared Malone serving as project manager and oversight by Director Jeff Penrose, the team completed a full gut renovation that transformed both the kitchen and nearby powder bath. As a result, these once-disconnected spaces now feel timeless, light-filled, and thoughtfully designed to support modern family life for years to come.
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The Existing Kitchen: What Wasn’t Working
While the Armour Hills home had great bones, the kitchen felt disconnected from the rest of the first floor. A full wall separated the kitchen from the dining room, which interrupted the natural flow and made the space feel smaller than it really was. As a result, the layout limited prep space, storage, and opportunities for the family to cook and gather together—an important consideration with a school-aged daughter and a family that enjoys cooking. This challenge made it a perfect candidate for a thoughtful kitchen remodel, designed to open up the space and improve functionality.
The dark counters and backsplash made the space feel deep and dark.
Additionally, a small powder bath occupied valuable wall space that could have been put to better use within the kitchen, further restricting functionality and layout potential. We knew we could make better use of this area near the backdoor and entry into the living room.
The Client Vision
The homeowners envisioned a kitchen that felt open, bright, and welcoming. At the same time, it needed to flow seamlessly into the dining area for everyday life and easy hosting.
Because cooking and family time mattered most, the layout had to function as beautifully as it looked. Each decision focused on supporting how the family lives and gathers.
Meanwhile, the design needed to respect the home’s age. Rather than introducing trends, we leaned into a classic, traditional aesthetic that felt appropriate for the space. This vision guided their kitchen remodeling in Armour Hills, allowing the renovation to honor the home’s character while improving function.
To ensure the new kitchen blended with the rest of the home, we thoughtfully incorporated subtle blue hues already used nearby. Above all, timelessness guided every decision, with durable materials and enduring design choices built to serve the family for years to come.
Design Approach: Timeless with a Fresh Perspective
Designer Brenda Axman guided the clients through each step of the design process, thoughtfully balancing their love of traditional style with subtle transitional updates. Rather than chasing trends, the focus remained on creating a space that felt intentional, updated, and fully cohesive with the rest of the home.
As part of this approach, we rethought the layout entirely. By removing visual barriers and improving sightlines, we opened the space while preserving the home’s classic character.
Construction Process: From Demo to Installation
This renovation was a full-scale transformation from start to finish. First, the team completely gutted the kitchen down to the studs. They removed the wall that had separated it from the dining room.
Next, we installed new framing and coordinated the electrical and plumbing layouts before closing the walls to ensure everything functioned correctly.
Then it was time for drywall, and the new spaces really began to take shape.
Photo taken from dining room looking into kitchen.
New powder bath at front of house where coat closet used to be.
Once the structural work was complete, we turned our attention to the floors. We installed new hardwood in the areas that required it. Then we selected a stain that seamlessly matched the existing flooring.
As a result, the darker, more traditional tone complements the home’s age and architectural style. Together, it creates a cohesive and timeless foundation for the updated kitchen.
Remember the wall we removed? In its place, we created a peninsula with cabinetry. As a result, the space feels more open while still clearly defining the kitchen. Meanwhile, relocating the powder bath to the front of the home freed valuable wall space and made the kitchen more functional and spacious.
Next, we turned our attention to the finishing details. We installed the countertops, followed by the appliances and hardware that tied everything together!
After hanging the wallpaper in the powder bath, we installed the floating sink and faucet.
Key Design Details & Finishes
- Cabinetry: We installed creamy white upper and lower cabinets from the Aspect line with a Tundra finish to create a bright, timeless foundation for the space.
- Layout: To maximize storage without crowding the room, we extended the cabinetry to sit just inches from the sliding door.
- Countertops: The clients selected Cambria Torquay which is a creamy quartz with subtle light grey veining for sophisticated and timeless feel. We used it consistently throughout the kitchen and peninsula to reinforce a classic, enduring aesthetic.
- Appliances: Stainless steel appliances anchor the space with a clean, traditional finish that will age beautifully over time.
- Hardware & Fixtures: Top Knobs Ascendra Pulls in Ash Gray add a little interest against the white cabinets. A stainless-steel Moen Kurv single handle high arc pulldown kitchen faucet completes the look, including a Photon Lighting light fixture above the sink that introduces a subtle pop of blue and ties seamlessly into the rest of the home.
The Powder Bath
Though small, the powder bath was intentionally designed to make a statement. To start, a bright white wallpaper with blue and green florals brings personality and charm to the space. Meanwhile, a LACAVA TRE 2982 wall mount porcelain sink was selected to maximize the compact footprint without sacrificing function. Finally, a polished chrome Kohler single handle bathroom sink faucet was used to create visual continuity and reinforce the home’s timeless appeal.
Results: A Timeless Bright Kitchen and Powder Bath
As a result, the kitchen and powder bath now feel lighter, brighter, and significantly more open. The reimagined layout actively supports how the family lives, cooks, and gathers each day, while the carefully selected materials ensure the spaces will age beautifully over time!
Can you believe there used to be a wall here?!
Moreover, this renovation demonstrates that traditional homes don’t have to sacrifice character for functionality. Through thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship, this Armour Hills kitchen now works with the homeowners rather than against them.
We made better use of the wall space in this area near the back door and family room. Our clients now have ample pantry space and the kitchen flows much better, all by taking down that wall and relocating the powder bath to the front of the home where the coat closet used to be.
Most importantly, the clients love their new space—and the relationship doesn’t stop here. We’re already in conversations about adding a custom bar in the basement, continuing to enhance how their home supports their lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you specialize in Armour Hills and older Kansas City homes?
Yes. We specialize in homes throughout Armour Hills, where thoughtful planning is essential to preserve architectural character while updating layouts, systems, and functionality.
Can you help guide us through the entire process?
Absolutely. Our team guides clients through every phase—from initial design through construction—ensuring a smooth, collaborative, and well-managed experience. That's the benefit of working with a design build firm like Schloegel, we are there for you every step of the way and help handle all the coordination. You can read more about our process here.
Do you handle full gut renovations?
Yes. We regularly complete full gut kitchen and bath renovations, managing layout changes, structural updates, and finish selection from start to finish. If you happen to have a smaller project or to-do list you need help with, we also offer expert handyman services!
Ready to Start Your Kitchen Remodel?
If you’re considering updating a dated kitchen or reworking your layout to better fit your lifestyle, we’d love to help.
Contact us to start the conversation and see how we can transform your space with intention, care, and timeless design.
Looking for more kitchen remodeling inspiration? Check out our galleries here.