This 200-square-foot kitchen remodel was completed in March 2024 after a year of planning and construction. The space was reimagined to offer greater storage, brighter finishes, and archways that reflect the existing style of the home. The client hoped for a contemporary twist on a French-inspired look, and the result successfully blends tradition with a modern touch.

A rarely used coat closet behind the kitchen was converted into a sliding spice rack and pantry, creating the storage the kitchen lacked. The breakfast nook gained additional cabinetry for taller items and countertop appliances. An existing opening to the dining room was expanded by about 18 inches, allowing extra light into adjacent spaces and opening views to the living area.

Materials and Finishes

The cabinets are made from rift-sawn white oak, providing a softer look than the original yellow maple. A farmhouse sink with bronze fixtures aligns with the French-inspired theme, while white subway tile and quartz counters help the small kitchen feel larger. A custom blackened steel range hood, fabricated by Evil Metalworks in Monroe, introduces a focal point that balances classic details and contemporary flair.

Key Elements

Drawer microwave set into lower cabinetry to clear the countertop.

Corner cabinet pullouts and a shift from doors to drawers for greater efficiency.

Matching archways positioned with precise measurements for visual balance.

Challenges

Fitting a pantry into a tight floor plan was a challenge until the hidden closet solution was discovered. Collaboration with a local metalworker was essential to achieve the blackened finish on the custom range hood without compromising the integrity of the steel.

Outcome

The newly remodeled kitchen provides greater functionality and an inviting style that suits the clients’ love of modern French design. The widened opening brings natural light deeper into the home, and the extra storage has already improved day-to-day life. The clients appreciated being involved in the selection of finishes.

Project Goals

Increase overall storage and create a usable pantry.

Replace yellow-toned cabinetry with neutral wood to achieve a more timeless palette.

Introduce archways that align with the home’s architecture.

Improve flow and natural light between the kitchen, dining area, and living room.

Design and Implementation

Layout/Structural Changes