Transitional Kitchen Remodel
This kitchen remodel started out as a situation we see often in older homes; a small, galley-style kitchen boxed in by walls and cut off from an underused dining room. While the space technically functioned, it felt cramped, closed off, and disconnected from the rest of the home, making everyday cooking and entertaining more difficult than it needed to be.
The homeowners knew they wanted a kitchen that felt more open, social, and usable without losing the ability to host family and friends for sit-down meals. They also had a clear vision for style, requesting a warm farmhouse aesthetic that felt timeless rather than trendy.
The Challenge
- 5Remove the non-load-bearing wall separating the kitchen and dining room to open the space
- 5Expand the kitchen footprint into the dining room while preserving room for a full-size table
- 5Improve workflow by relocating the sink to the island and creating better spacing between appliances
- 5Incorporate farmhouse design elements with high-end, custom finishes
The Planning
Because the wall separating the kitchen and dining room was non-load-bearing, we were able to remove it without the complexity or cost many homeowners expect. This allowed us to thoughtfully expand the kitchen into the dining area while still maintaining space for a full-size dining table when hosting guests. A key planning decision was relocating the sink to the island, which instantly improved functionality by creating valuable workspace between the major appliances. From there, the design focused on balancing the client’s farmhouse vision with durability and warmth that would age well over time. To bring that vision to life, we designed and built several fully custom elements, ensuring the finished space felt intentional, cohesive, and truly one of a kind.The Build
The build centered around craftsmanship and detail. A custom-built shiplap island became the focal point of the kitchen, paired with a shiplap backsplash behind the range to reinforce the farmhouse aesthetic. A fully custom range hood was built to anchor the space visually while adding character and warmth.
Higher-end finishes elevated the overall look, including a farmhouse sink and distinctive hanging light fixtures that added personality without overwhelming the design. Warm red-brown flooring and the natural tones of the range hood were carefully selected to balance the bold black-and-white contrast throughout the kitchen, creating a space that feels inviting rather than stark.
The result is a kitchen that feels open, functional, and welcoming, equally suited for everyday meals or hosting family and friends.
Project Tips
1. Don’t Be Afraid of Wall Removal
Many homeowners assume removing a wall is complicated or expensive. If the wall isn’t load-bearing, opening up your space can be more achievable and impactful than you might expect.
2. Design Around How You Actually Use the Kitchen
3. Balance Contrast with Warmth
The Resolution
