A Brookside Kitchen Transformation: Comfort Meets Character

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Last updated on May 16, 2025

There’s something special about homes in Brookside—historic charm, tree-lined streets, and character you just don’t find everywhere else in Kansas City. When our clients came to us with a vision to update their Brookside kitchen, they wanted a fresh, modern look without losing the warmth and soul of their original space. They worked with designer Brenda Axman to bring their vision to life. 

This Brookside kitchen remodel is a perfect example of how a few smart, stylish updates can completely transform a space—without a full kitchen gut.  

The Starting Point: Warm Wood and Functional Layout 

The existing kitchen had beautiful warm wood cabinetry that has timeless appeal coupled with a layout that worked. The biggest thing our clients were looking for was a style boost. They wanted to keep the cozy character, but add modern, bold design elements, and Brenda helped them achieve just that! 

warm wood cabinets in functional kitchen layout before remodel. the space feels sort of heavy and dark and dated

Existing kitchen right before demo.

brookside kitchen before remodeling. warm wood cabinets will stay throughout.

Existing kitchen right before demo.

Design Highlights 

This Brookside kitchen remodel delivers high impact with a few key updates. One of the most striking elements in this project is the deep blue herringbone backsplash. The rich color and eye-catching pattern create a stunning focal point that instantly elevates the entire space. Paired with the warm, original wood cabinetry, the contrast brings depth and personality—blending timeless charm with modern flair. At the heart of the kitchen, a quartzite island adds a bright, elegant touch. It's not only beautiful but also highly functional, serving as the perfect spot for morning coffee or casual entertaining. Thoughtful lighting choices, like the soft glow of glass pendant lights, add a layer of coziness, while updated hardware and finishing details seamlessly tie the old and new together. It’s this kind of intentional design—where every element feels both elevated and inviting—that makes Schloegel Design Remodel a trusted choice for Kansas City kitchen renovations. 

Design board with range hood, lighting, paint swatch, hardware elements and text saying cozy and cool kitchen to show what the vibe of the space will be

The Process

The refresh process for this kitchen involved a smart combination of preservation and thoughtful upgrades. By keeping the existing cabinetry and layout, the focus shifted to selecting new elements that would complement the established style. 

Project Director Andy Gower and Project Manager Brandon Brewington oversaw the production side of the project. After dust protection the team covered the appliances that would remain. Then they demoed the existing backsplash. Next, the team removed the countertops and installed fresh bright leathered Mont Blanc Quartzite for the island and Vena Carbona Quartz for the perimeter. Using different countertops or cabinet colors for an island versus the perimeter is a simple way to add a little more interest and personality to any kitchen. 

The appliances and cabinets that are going to remain in place through the remodel are wrapped in brown paper and taped with painters tape. this will keep them clean from dust, paint or anything else that might damage them during the remodel
Backsplash tile demo is complete and the walls are a litltle rough looking and you can tell a new window has been installed because it still has the logos and stickers and tape of the window branding.
the new counters have been installed and are looking bright and fresh

The team also replaced the windows in the kitchen along with some drywall to prep for the new backsplash.

exterior view of new window that has been installed. There are some plants and small bush/trees in the homes landscaping and you can see the corner of the air conditioner. The window looks crisp and clean and there is fresh trim being installed around it to complete it
Interior view of new window that has been fit and installed. There is fresh trim around it and patched drywall on the walls around it
drywall is hung and holes have been patched over getting the walls ready and prepped for tile backsplash to be layed over top. You can see the whole kitchen from this angle.

Next it was time to paint the existing kitchen island cabinetry with a deep blue shade (Sherwin Williams 7615 Sea Serpent) that goes well with the backsplash tile. Backsplash tile was laid in a herringbone pattern from counter to ceiling which adds subtle drama and interest.

We used a paint sprayer to make the kitchen island cabinetry Sherwin Williams Sea Serpent a dark moody deep blue with green undertones. the rest of the kitchen is taped off and covered so it doesn't get paintd
close up of blue tile with dividers in as it is setting. layed in herringbone fun pattern to add interest.
Blue herringbone pattern backsplash is complete and laid from counter to ceiling and filled in everywhere and around a window in the middle of the wall

Additionally, the team installed the range hood, made sure trim was cohesive, installed shutters for the windows that match the existing stained cabinetry to tie it all together even more. 

kitchen is almost complete. blue herringbone backsplash tile is set and a copper range hood is installed that is a dark moody charcoal color and warm wood shutters are installed over the windows now
warm oak wood shutters that are installed and built around the windows are now in. They match the stain on the oak cabinetry to tie it all together.

Our clients were also looking to add more storage, so we gave the pantry area a beautiful upgrade! Floor to ceiling custom Shiloh Cabinets in the shade Mindful Gray got the job done. The hardware for the pantry doors goes well with the existing cabinetry hardware in the kitchen. The little details like this help keep the cohesive feel throughout the space, which is key when working around existing elements. 

new custom cabinetry for mudroom storage nook area right off kitchen to help blend existing elements with the new. adds ample storage and is a bright creamy white shade
view from inside the kitchen into the mudroom storage area of floor to ceiling new custom cabinets with creamy white paint covering them.

The Results: Comfort meets Character in this Brookside Kitchen

The results speak for themselves in these stunning photos! Preserving the existing layout and cabinetry and adding a few key updates, resulted in a dramatically elevated space. Brenda expertly guided the design process in close collaboration with our clients, ensuring their personal style was reflected in the final kitchen. It's a beautiful space that achieves a blend of the home's historic charm and character, while incorporating some bold, modern flair.

This image showcases a beautifully renovated upscale kitchen, emphasizing a blend of rich, dark tones and elegant materials. The focal point is a large kitchen island with a bright white marble countertop featuring subtle grey veining. The island has a dark blue base and is surrounded by three dark-stained wooden stools with black seats. Two modern pendant lights with clear, textured glass shades hang above the island, providing focused illumination. Behind the island, the wall is covered in a striking dark blue ceramic tile arranged in a herringbone pattern, adding texture and visual interest. Three windows with light-colored wooden frames and horizontal blinds are visible against this backsplash. A stainless steel range with a matching dark metal range hood is positioned against the tiled wall. To the left of the range, a wooden countertop extends, holding fresh produce. The kitchen features rich, dark wood cabinetry throughout, including base cabinets and a glass-fronted upper cabinet to the left of the sink area. A stainless steel refrigerator is integrated seamlessly into the wooden cabinetry on the far left. The sink area, partially visible behind the island, features a stainless steel faucet and what appears to be a dark countertop. The flooring is warm-toned hardwood, adding to the overall luxurious and inviting feel of the space. On the kitchen island, a copper-toned vase holds large, stylized artificial leaves, and a bowl of yellow lemons adds a pop of color. The overall impression is one of sophisticated design, high-quality materials, and a well-thought-out space for modern living.
This image showcases a refreshed kitchen detail, focusing on a window area. The window, framed in white, features light brown wooden slatted blinds. Below the window, a deep blue herringbone tile backsplash adds a vibrant touch. Warm-toned wooden cabinetry is present both below the counter and above, with the upper cabinets featuring glass doors displaying glassware. A silver faucet is visible against the backsplash. On the counter, a few pieces of produce are arranged. To the left, a glimpse of a plant with a large orange flower adds a natural element. The overall style blends classic and contemporary elements, creating a cozy yet stylish kitchen space.
This image showcases a refreshed kitchen detail, focusing on a window area. The window, framed in white, features light brown wooden slatted blinds. Below the window, a deep blue herringbone tile backsplash adds a vibrant touch. Warm-toned wooden cabinetry is present both below the counter and above, with the upper cabinets featuring glass doors displaying glassware. A silver faucet and a stainless steel sink are visible to the left, set into the light countertop. On the counter, a few pieces of produce are arranged. The overall style blends classic and contemporary elements, creating a cozy yet stylish kitchen space.
This close-up shot showcases a detail of a recently refreshed kitchen. The focal point is a section of the kitchen island with a light-colored, marble-look countertop holding a wooden bowl overflowing with bright yellow lemons. Behind the island, a deep navy blue herringbone tile backsplash creates a striking visual texture. To the right of the backsplash, warm-toned wooden cabinetry is visible, including a drawer with dark, sleek hardware and an upper cabinet with glass doors displaying various glassware and a few food items. Integrated seamlessly into the wooden cabinetry is a large, paneled refrigerator with a horizontal vent at the top. In the background, a doorway leads to a pantry or storage area with white cabinetry featuring modern black handles. The overall impression is of a stylish kitchen that blends classic elements with bold, contemporary touches.

Brenda, Andy, and Brandon along with the rest of the remodeling team nailed it and our clients couldn't love their new space more! This project in the charming Brookside home yielded a stunningly refreshed kitchen that still has warmth and character, which was exactly what our clients were hoping to achieve. 

Feeling inspired to refresh your own kitchen or introduce bold design features? Contact us, and let's explore the possibilities for your space!

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