Get ready as we unveil an exciting Brookside remodel we're calling: The Green Glass Kitchen project! Over the coming weeks, we'll pull back the curtain, from the initial design concept to the final, gleaming reveal, showcasing every step of how we modernize this historic gem. Today, we're starting at the very beginning, joining our talented designer, Jerick Stockton, as he walks us through the existing space and shares the bold, sleek plans that are about to unfold in this charming Brookside home.
Stepping Inside a Century of Character: The "Before"
Stepping into this historic Brookside home, you immediately feel its century of stories. Original details whisper tales of generations past, but like many homes of its era, the kitchen presented a classic challenge. Despite the home's charm its potential was truly untapped.
Existing kitchen
Existing dining room, this wall will soon be demolished and create an open concept kitchen and dining area, the peninsula will take the space of the cabinet in the above photo.
Existing sunroom, the built-ins will be removed, and we will fill in the small walkway from the kitchen and cover this wall in sleek cabinets with ample pantry storage!
Typical for its era, the kitchen was quite compartmentalized, with a wall separating it from the dining room. This layout, while traditional, significantly limits the flow, natural light, and the overall sense of spaciousness. Consequently, making it feel less connected to the rest of the home. Despite its potential, the existing footprint felt cramped, and adequate storage was a constant battle. That is generally a very common frustration we hear from homeowners in older Kansas City properties. With the existing set up, our clients had to make a trip down to the basement every time they cooked since that's where small appliances and pantry food items were stored. A less-than-optimal workflow meant it wasn't truly serving the modern couples' needs for entertaining, daily cooking, or simply gathering comfortably. As Jerick points out in the accompanying video, these things were the bottlenecks and led to the untapped potential within the home.
The Vision Takes Shape: Jerick’s Perspective
Finally, with a deep understanding of the home's character and the homeowners' preferences, Jerick crafted a vision that perfectly blends contemporary function with bold modern flair. The core goals for this renovation are transformative, designed to unlock the kitchen's full potential.
Floor Plans
The biggest transformation? Removing the wall between the kitchen and dining area to create a seamless open concept eating and dining space. Jerick emphasizes how this seemingly simple structural change will revolutionize the way the homeowners live and entertain. The space will be flooding with natural light from the windows on both exterior walls and the open flow will foster connection. Another key point in this thoughtful expansion is the large peninsula. This will serve as both a culinary workspace and a social hub, dramatically improving traffic flow throughout the new space.
Existing floor plan for demo
New floor plan
Solving the storage dilemma was another big concern. A key focus is creating a dedicated, expansive pantry area – a true game-changer for organization and convenience. Jerick planned this space to handle everything from food to small appliances, ensuring a clutter-free kitchen. Beyond the pantry, our custom cabinet plans are designed to maximize every inch. From specialized drawers and clever nooks that will keep everything perfectly organized and accessible to the sleek and glossy finish that will add that WOW factor, this kitchen is going to be amazing.
3D rendering of the new pantry storage area in the sunroom behind the kitchen.
Design Choices: Green Glass Backsplash
And now, for the heart of the Green Glass Kitchen concept. The star of the show will undoubtedly be the painted back glass backsplash in a stunning shade of green. Jerick shared how this bold, yet elegant choice will infuse modern sophistication while still feeling organic and connected to the home's charming feel.
3D rendering of new kitchen, view from dining room.
3D rendering of new kitchen peninsula and dining area.
Markedly, this unique material offers a reflective quality that will play beautifully with the natural light, adding depth and vibrancy. This show-stopping feature will be coupled with other bold design elements. We're incorporating glossy, modern cabinetry, for instance. Next, sleek quartz countertops will add to the design. And to truly tie it all together, carefully selected lighting and fixtures will create an inviting and effortlessly sophisticated space.
What's Next? Demo Day!
So, with the design plans finalized and the vision crystal clear, the next phase is where the magic truly begins. Where the old makes way for the new! Soon we’re about to kick off demolition, and trust us, it’s going to be a sight as these walls come down and the space starts its transformation.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of our Green Glass Kitchen series, where we'll share the satisfying chaos of the demo process and the exciting early stages of rough-ins and framing! You can also follow along with the Green Glass Kitchen progress on our Instagram stories.
Ready to Reimagine Your Home?
This project is more than just a kitchen remodel; it's about reimagining a century-old home for modern living, blending history with innovative design. We believe every home has the potential to become a space you truly love to live in. Whether you're envisioning a sleek modern update or restoring charm to a historic property, our team is ready to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to discuss your unique needs and aspirations!