An Overland Park, KS family sought to elevate a dated, closed-off kitchen into a sophisticated, high-character space. Our design-build team, led by designer, Nina Schmidt, executed an unforgettable transformation—replacing a restrictive peninsula with a large, functional island and implementing a custom palette of deep walnut and elegant olive green cabinetry. The result is a luxurious, high-flow kitchen that masterfully balances depth, light, and modern functionality.
Table of Contents
- The Challenge: Addressing Inefficient Flow and Dated Finishes
- The Design Plan: Maximizing Space and Introducing Custom Depth
- The Remodel Process: From Full Demolition to Fine Detailing
- Finishes & Design Highlights
- The Reveal: A Sophisticated KC Kitchen Transformation
- FAQs About Kitchen Remodeling in Overland Park, KS
The Challenge: Addressing Inefficient Flow and Dated Finishes
Many older homes in the Overland Park area have good bones but suffer from spatial challenges common in their original design. This kitchen was a prime example, featuring:
- Inefficient Flow: An obtrusive peninsula that effectively blocked off the kitchen, disrupting the open sightlines and flow desired for modern entertaining and family life.
- Tired Aesthetic: A generic palette of white cabinetry and busy, granite countertops that lacked the sophistication and personality our clients desired.
- Outdated Fixtures: Lighting and hardware that dated the space, failing to complement the home's overall vibe.
Our clients wanted a luxurious, contemporary space that felt custom and inviting. Our design-build team developed a plan to eliminate restrictive elements and introduce a rich, curated aesthetic.
The Overland Park Kitchen Before Remodeling
The Design Plan: Maximizing Space and Introducing Custom Depth
The existing layout dedicated space to a restrictive barrier. By removing the peninsula, we unlocked the room's true potential. The new design focused on achieving maximum impact and utility:
- Central Island Integration: Replacing the peninsula with a spacious, free-standing island became the cornerstone of the new layout, dramatically improving circulation and providing a perfect hub for family and guests.
- Rich Color Palette: A carefully chosen earth tone palette was a must. We went with a blend of deep walnut wood tones and olive green for the island and back corner cabinets to establish a moody, character-driven aesthetic.
- Integrated Appliances: Reconfiguring the wall cabinetry and counters to accommodate integrated appliances, creating a seamless and high-end built-in look.
As built or "before" floor plans of the main floor.
New floor plan showing what the main floor will look like after the remodel.
This thoughtful redesign prioritized open concept living while introducing stunning materials to create a unique space full of personality and earth tones.
The Remodel Process: From Full Demolition to Fine Detailing
Our experienced craftsmen initiated the project with a full-scale demolition, carefully removing the previous cabinetry, countertops, and the restricting peninsula.
- Structural Adjustments: We strategically moved electrical and plumbing lines to accommodate the new island and ensure seamless placement of the custom range hood and fixtures.
- Floor Integration: New hardwood floors were laced into the existing main-level flooring to create a cohesive, uninterrupted visual flow across the entire space.
- Finish Installation: We installed the quartz countertops and the full-height, hand-glazed tile backsplash, balancing the dark tones of the cabinetry with bright, reflective surfaces.
Our process is just as important as the finished space.
After carefully adding floor and dust protective measures, we demoed the space down to the studs.
The front office space had two doorways. Our client's wanted to close off one of the openings that led into the family room for more privacy in the office and so they could put a couch on this wall of the family room.
Existing office doors into living area, soon to be closed off.
We framed the space and patched it over.
As for the kitchen area, we passed electrical and plumbing rough in to get everything set up for the new appliances and fixtures. Then it was time for insulation! We also added new windows and a backdoor with black frames to go with the modern and moody design.
We scraped the popcorn ceilings on the main floor and hung the new drywall.
Then it was time to patch in the existing hardwood floors and sand everything down so it could be stained.
Once the floors were done and dry, we recovered them with X-Gaurd floor protection and installed the cabinets!
Then we carefully covered everything with plastic and tape so we could retexture the ceiling. Next we painted the ceilings and walls a bright creamy white.
Next came the stunning olive green tile.
Finally, we added the remaining hardware, fixtures, and appliances.
Every phase of the remodel, from framing to the final hardware placement, was executed with the precision and expert craftsmanship Schloegel is known for.
Finishes & Design Highlights
The transformation was successful due to the commitment to bold, sophisticated material choices:
- Cabinetry: Custom Shiloh Cabinetry in Rift White Oak in the color Mineral for the perimeter would add some warmth. The island and exterior corner cabinets are Maple in the color Thyme which goes perfectly with the green backsplash tile.
- Backsplash: Full-height, textural subway tile in a dark, jewel-toned olive color (Ragno USA Gleeze in Grigio Glossy 3x8) adds great visual depth and a touch of moody elegance.
- Countertops: Calacatta Valentin Quartz has a warm white two-toned marble look background with subtle gold veins and a polished finish to keep things light and sleek while adding a crisp contrast to the dark cabinetry.
- Lighting: The Hinkley Lighting Fletcher 9" Tall Wall Sconces and clean, recessed lighting that perfectly illuminate the workspace while serving as stylish design elements.
- Hardware: Sleek, polished brass pulls and plumbing fixtures that provide a necessary warm metallic element and elevate the overall high-end aesthetic. Top Knobs Cumberland Pulls and Knobs in Honey Bronze compliment the gold Kohler Tone faucet and light fixtures to bring it all together for a cohesive look.
The Reveal: A Sophisticated Overland Park, KS Kitchen Transformation
The finished space is entirely transformed—a rich, sophisticated, and high-flow kitchen that truly fits our client's style. The custom olive green island and dark wood cabinets create a distinct, curated identity, while the open flow instantly enhances the home’s functionality and value.
No detail was overlooked! We carried the sophisticated, elevated feel of the new kitchen right into the adjacent powder bath with a quick, modern refresh to ensure design continuity, just check out that before and after.
Powder bath just off the kitchen before the remodel
Powder bath just off the kitchen after the remodel!
Our design team has helped Kansas City homeowners fall in love with their homes again for over 45 years. We specialize in turning design challenges into luxurious, inspiring spaces.
Are you ready to elevate your home with a custom remodel? Contact our team today to learn how we can bring your vision to life!
FAQs About Kitchen Remodeling in Overland Park, KS
Q: How does switching from a peninsula to an island affect the kitchen space?
A: It creates an immediate and dramatic improvement in flow. Removing the barrier allows for better circulation, increases the perceived size of the room, and transforms the workspace into a much more accessible and social gathering point.
Q: What is the benefit of choosing custom-colored cabinetry like olive green?
A: Custom colors allow you to define the room's character. Unlike standard neutral palettes (which we love too), colors like olive green add a sophisticated, personalized depth that is highly sought after in modern design and can significantly elevate your home's unique style.
Q: What is Schloegel's process for handling a layout change?
A: Our design-build process begins with comprehensive design. Our architecture team create floor plans, elevation drawings, and 3D renderings to show you exactly how the new space and layout will function before any construction begins, ensuring your complete confidence in the space and flow.
Q: Why choose Schloegel Design Remodel for my kitchen project?
A: We are Kansas City’s trusted choice for full-service, custom design-build remodeling and handyman services. Our decades of experience (over 45 years!), award-winning designers, and commitment to expert craftsmanship ensure your project is executed seamlessly, from the initial concept to the final, stunning end product.
Q: Where can I find kitchen design inspiration?
A: Our kitchen gallery has lots of fun kitchen projects and you can follow us on Instagram @remodelagain for exciting project updates!