We are excited to share this stunning kitchen remodel completed by our Handyman Services team. We're not the only ones who love how it turned out, as it took home a Gold & Best of Show REMY this year.
Our clients were living in New Mexico and relocating to Kansas City. They house hunted on a visit to KC and found this fabulous 1913 South Plaza home with tons of character; however, they knew the kitchen needed an update. Before they'd even moved to KC, they reached out to us and got to work with Kelly Summers. She met with them about a month before their big move to Kansas City to begin the design process. We made a few selections in our showroom right away. They were so excited about the project that they did some shopping in the interim, collaborating with our Kelly via pictures and texts!
Existing Kitchen
Before
Before
The existing kitchen was remodeled in the early 2000s and felt quite dark; it just didn't fit the home's aesthetic. Our clients wanted a new vibe for the kitchen and wanted to take advantage of every square foot, including the kitchen height.
As our clients had moved in just before construction, they didn't have a chance to really use the existing kitchen; therefore, we only had a few pain points. One certainty was the awkward upper cabinets. The individual cabinets stuck out and obstructed the views outside. They also acted as an unintentional focal point. Additionally, the cabinets were standard size and didn't reach the ceiling. They cut off the visual line—the two-tier island-waisted prime countertop real estate.
Design
During that initial design meeting, our clients fell in love with Cambria's Skara Brae quartz. The colors and dramatic movement caught their eye and hearts; however, the cost versus design were at odds. Skara Brae was a little out of our initial budget. It also was a statement piece that our clients worried would not fit into their new kitchen's overall design.
Understanding their concerns, Kelly incorporated the quartz into the design of the kitchen. She wanted to ensure they had the counters and kitchen they really wanted without sacrificing other items. Kelly addressed the cost concern by working within the existing kitchen's footprint and therefore were able to get the budget back in line. The new cabinets and island utilized the previous cabinet locations negating any hardwood floor work. Additionally, we saved the existing fridge and freezer drawers for resetting, replacing only the cabinet fronts.
Kelly did away with the three upper cabinets between the kitchen windows in the new cabinet plan. She compensated for this loss of storage with floating shelves, an array of specialized cabinet accessories in the base cabinets, and more drawers for ease of use.
Some people want their kitchen to be a showpiece, while others want it to create delicious meals. Our clients knew theirs could be both! Design, function, and high-end finishes were all equally important. For this reason, the bulky 30” gas range, with its ill-fitting trim conversion surround, wouldn’t cut it. They wanted something industrial where they could cook to its maximum output. Ultimately, they landed on a 36” dual fuel Fisher & Paykel range. High-end finishes like the counter-to-ceiling tile, pot filler, and drawer dishwashers also lend to the design and function our clients wanted.
Stunning New Kitchen
Kirk Thomas, Montana Ralstin, and Randy Shepherd made Kelly and our client's vision to life in this kitchen!
With Cambria’s Skara Brae quartz as our inspiration, we selected inset cabinets in Dover White. Texture was added by using earthy, Cloud Grey subway tile that the client brought with them from New Mexico. It plays perfectly off the veining in the countertops. For a high-end look we installed the tile from cabinet to ceiling. A Blanco Ikon Metallic Gray apron sink ties the lower cabinets into the upper. Matte black fixtures and cabinet hardware break up the white and match the subtle black tributaries in the countertop veining. Floating walnut shelves with lighting underneath bring the warmth of the hardwood floors into the backsplash.
The new kitchen features the beautiful Skara Brae quartz flowing into its impressive three windows. The window wall is covered from cabinet to crown in a hand-crafted gray subway tile with rich, warm walnut floating shelves. A custom range hood sits above the striking Fisher & Paykel stainless steel gas range, backed by a pleasant coordinating tile in a herringbone pattern. The fridge, microwave, and dishwasher drawers sport the same stainless finish, and the metallic gray apron sink ties the bottom cabinets into the tile backsplash.
Plentiful can lights, under-cabinet, under-shelf lighting, and pendant lights above the island provide lighting for any feel or function. Our clients found the unique Onyx pendant lights a New Mexico. We love the design of the pendants and how they tied together their style to their old home.
Our clients love the way it turned out. They feel right at home in a kitchen they designed with touches from their old city—the stunning kitchen ties into the home’s aesthetic. The attention to function makes cooking enjoyable, and the thoughtful design makes it the spot everyone wants to be.