Honoring History with a Cozier Aesthetic
This kitchen, located in a classic Tudor Revival home in the cherished Armour Hills neighborhood, presented a challenge: the charming exterior was juxtaposed by a dated and cramped kitchen inside. The existing space, characterized by light oak cabinets, white laminate, and harsh fluorescent light boxes, lacked the warmth and cozy character the home deserved.
The creative vision was led by designer, Nina Schmidt, who partnered with the clients to craft a sophisticated, functional sanctuary perfect for displaying their unique art and collectibles. The entire renovation was skillfully overseen by Project Director Andy Gower and managed on-site by Project Manager Brandon Brewington, ensuring the final interior beautifully reflects the historical charm of its Tudor Revival origins.
Table of Contents
- The Challenge: Honoring the Tudor Revival Style
- Before & After: The Floor Plan Transformation
- A Cohesive, Rich Material Palette
- The Remodel Process: From Demo to Finishing Touches
- Space Gained: The Powder Bath Rework
- The Centerpiece: Lighting as Architectural Art
- Functionality: Custom Storage & Display
- The Big Reveal: A Character-Rich, Cozy Kitchen
- FAQs: Project Details Answered
The Challenge: Honoring the Tudor Revival Style
The original kitchen was a cramped galley style and aesthetically detached from the elegant, historic Tudor Revival architecture of the home. The main problems we addressed were:
- Dated Aesthetics: The light oak cabinetry, yellow walls, and white laminate countertops were classic hallmarks of a past decade, failing to deliver the sophisticated character the client desired.
- Unflattering Lighting: The fluorescent box lighting over the counters was harsh, creating poor task light and an unflattering tone that clashed with the home's warm ambiance.
- Lack of Character: The finishes were plain, leaving no appropriate stage for the client’s beautiful art and cherished Giovanni DeSimone ceramic collection.
Before & After: The Floor Plan Transformation
While the footprint of the kitchen remained largely the same, the shift in appliance placement and storage design dramatically altered the room’s function and feel.
As built or existing floor plans with demo marks.
New floor plan showing the larger kitchen with a big island and new powder bath layout.
Cabinet front elevations showing what the front profile will look in the new space.
- Defining the Center: We moved the main cooking area from the wall to a custom-designed central island. This creates an efficient work triangle, improves flow for entertaining, and gives the client a great vantage point while cooking.
- Maximizing Storage: We replaced the small window area with a floor-to-ceiling bank of custom cabinetry beside the refrigerator. This massive increase in storage eliminated clutter and allowed us to house a built-in oven stack, creating a seamless, furniture-like element.
- Seamless Transition: The island now opens directly toward the adjacent dining area, creating a more cohesive, open connection than the previous wall-based layout allowed.
A Cohesive, Rich Material Palette
To achieve that deep sense of warmth and character, we layered materials that honor the Tudor style’s focus on natural textures and rich tones:
- Cabinetry: The light oak was replaced with custom cabinetry in a rich, medium-brown finish called Braun from Shiloh, adding instant depth and weight to the space.
- Backsplash: A textured, warm faux brick tile similar to this one, was installed as the backsplash, providing an incredible tactile element and rustic contrast to the sleek countertops.
- Counters & Flooring: We selected a warm, heavily veined granite countertop that ties the brown, cream, and brick tones together. This pairs perfectly with the new, multi-toned hexagonal tile flooring, replacing the dated parquet.
- Walls: For the walls in this main floor area we chose Benjamin Moore Eggshell 2026-70.
The Remodel Process: From Demo to Finishing Touches
Our comprehensive design-build remodel process ensures every phase of your remodel is managed efficiently and with minimal disruption.
Phase 1: Demolition & Framing: The project began with the careful removal of the old kitchen and the structural changes needed to adjust the powder bath layout. New framing was completed to define the new kitchen boundaries.
Phase 2: Mechanicals & Drywall: New electrical, plumbing, and HVAC lines were rough installed, followed by drywall installation, preparing the space for finishes.
Phase 3: Cabinetry & Finishes: The custom cabinets were delivered and installed, followed by countertop template and installation. We finalized the plumbing fixtures, electrical lighting, and tiling.
Phase 4: Final Touches & Inspection: The project concluded with the painting, hardware installation, appliance installation, and a final white-glove clean, ready for the client’s enjoyment!
Space Gained: The Powder Bath Rework
The most ingenious functional change involved repurposing a sliver of space from an adjacent room to benefit the kitchen's flow.
The Problem: The existing kitchen felt cramped, and we needed precious inches to allow for the central island and improved cabinetry run.
The Solution: We adjusted the layout of the nearby powder bath, shifting its footprint slightly to reclaim space for the kitchen. This small, strategic move was critical in making room for the new island and integrated storage wall.
Cohesive Design: The powder bath wasn't forgotten in the process! We ensured its design was entirely cohesive with the kitchen by using matching materials for the vanity cabinets, countertops, and hardware pulls. This small detail connects the two spaces and elevates the home's overall design sophistication.
Main floor powder bath before the remodel.
Main floor powder bath after the remodel. Cohesive with the kitchen just outside.
The Centerpiece: Lighting as Architectural Art
The lighting design was instrumental in setting the custom, character-filled tone, moving the space far beyond its generic past.
- The Signature Fixture: The most breathtaking element is the massive, Tiffany style stained glass light fixture suspended over the island. This fixture is a true work of art that draws the eye, casts a warm, colorful glow, and perfectly mirrors the small, existing stained-glass accent window in the kitchen.
- Layered Light: Recessed can lighting and targeted under-cabinet lighting were installed to ensure the kitchen remains bright and highly functional for tasks, balancing the cozy warmth of the centerpiece fixture.
Functionality: Custom Storage & Display
The client's desire to showcase their unique art was addressed through thoughtful detailing.
- Display: The new, expansive countertops and the brick backsplash create the perfect canvas to proudly arrange some of the DeSimone collection. The tones and textures in the kitchen compliment the fun art pieces found throughout the rest of the main floor creating an extremely artsy and cohesive feel.
- Appliances: The outdated white appliances were upgraded to modern, seamless stainless-steel units, including an integrated microwave and oven stack, which further elevates the kitchen's functional luxury.
The Final Reveal: A Character-Rich, Cozy Kitchen
The transformation is complete, and the kitchen now proudly serves as the warm, inviting heart of this Armour Hills home. The final design seamlessly blends the necessary modern functionality with rich, custom elements that enhance the home's historic Tudor Revival character. The space is now a sophisticated sanctuary, perfectly tailored to the client's unique style, ready for years of cozy cooking and memorable entertaining.
FAQs: Project Details Answered
Q: Where is this home located?
A: This stunning kitchen is located in a beautiful Tudor Revival home in the classic Armour Hills neighborhood of Kansas City.
Q: What would you consider the style of this kitchen?
A: This kitchen beautifully blends elements of several styles to honor the home's historic architecture in a modern way. We would classify it as Transitional with a strong nod to Tudor Revival and Craftsman principles. While it incorporates the rich, natural wood and custom details you see in Craftsman design, the overall aesthetic is a fresh, functional update. It’s a sophisticated, character-filled space where traditional warmth meets modern efficiency.
Q: What is your typical scope of work?
A: We specialize in high-quality design-build remodels. We offer everything from full blown whole home remodels, to focusing on smaller areas like kitchens, baths or basements, and can also tackle home additions or exterior projects. Our Handyman Services team is also available for smaller tasks and repairs.
Q: Did you change the kitchen's footprint?
A: We did change the overall size slightly and we reconfigured the interior layout by adding a central island and a new appliance/storage bank. This change in flow and storage capacity is often as transformative as an addition!
Q: Where can I check out more of your work?
A: We'd love to share other projects with you! You can view our Kitchen Gallery here. Or follow along with exciting project updates on our Instagram @remodelagain. We also share project details on our blog every week!
Feeling Inspired? Contact us today to see how we can bring your vision to life! We're ready to tackle your home remodeling projects, big or small, to make your home a place you truly love to live in.