A Full Gut Kitchen Remodel

This client was referred to us from a past client. They are a busy 2-career household with young children and enjoy entertaining friends and family in their home. They have a beautiful open concept home but unfortunately the kitchen was not fitting for the rest of the home. They were not quite sure what to do with the space so we considered a few options. We talked about trying to refresh it or do more of a minor remodel, but in the end we decided a full gut would get them to where they wanted to be.

What should I consider when fully renovating a kitchen?

One problem was there was no place for guests to hang out other than the large and awkward banquette area. The brick wall and tiled hood area were feeling a bit dated and tired and the space was just not functional. Along with a large dead zone in the center of the room, there was also no prep space near the cooktop and no landing area for items coming out of the ovens or refrigerator.

1. Comfort comes first

Below is a shot of the built-in banquette. Banquettes are great for small spaces, but when they get really large like this one, it makes getting in and out of the seating area awkward and uncomfortable. Plus, there was room for a large table, so we eliminated the awkward built-in.

2. Demolition & rough-ins

We started by removing the faux brick wall between the kitchen and back entry and relocated the entry to the garage over a couple feet in order to get every last inch out of the new kitchen. We also made the decision to close up the primary window that faced the pretty ho hum brick wall of the neighbor’s house. There was plenty of light coming in from the seating area, so we just didn’t feel the window was adding much to the room.

Construction went smoothly. There was a bit of rework with electrical, flooring and HVAC, but in the end, we think it was well worth it.

3. Put your own stamp on it

Our clients really wanted a sleek contemporary look, and we originally had planned for a full height slab backsplash, but due to its size, it was a budget buster. Instead, we got creative and settled on large format porcelain tiles that have a similar feel but were a fraction of the cost. We made sure the wall was plumb and level so that the fit and finish would mimic that of slab material.

4. Make a statement with your appliances

Here’s the final space — quite a change, don’t you think?  A large prep sink sits directly across from the new pro-style range with plenty of additional prep space on the large island. The refrigerator and ovens now have miles of landing space, and a nice tight work triangle makes cooking a breeze.

5. Maximize storage area

Since we wanted a more contemporary feel, not many wall cabinets were included. Instead, we outfitted some of the drawers for dish storage with a peg system. Two large pantries flanking the refrigerator hold baking supplies and small appliances. Large drawers by the cooktop hold pots and pans, and an appliance garage tucked away to the left of the range hides away miscellaneous items. The large island also houses a microwave drawer and tons of storage, many of which are drawers for maximum convenience.

6. Convenience is key

The island now seats 5-6 people comfortably along with the new table in the seating area which can seat up to 8. Entertaining will be a breeze thanks to a functional kitchen design. With such a clean backdrop, we knew we would need some drama with the lighting, so we chose two sets of staggered pendants, which we adjusted for just the right visual balance above the island.

7. Keep details in mind

Here is a view into the new breakfast table. Our interior designers also included a small coffee station to the right, which helps keep the coffee clutter out of the kitchen proper.

8. Use the right color palette

Two tones of complimentary gray are featured in this kitchen. The perimeter is a light gray that reads almost white. The island is a gray stain that adds some depth and interest with the visible wood texture. These are no-fail kitchen color pallets. The countertops are clean white quartz, and the hardware, barstools and light fixtures add warm brass tones. I see lots of cooking and entertaining with family and friends in the near future in this bright and airy new space.

Why is TKS the preferred choice for a kitchen remodel in Naperville & beyond?

The Kitchen Studio a locally-owned company specializing in kitchen remodeling for over 15 years. With innovative design and outstanding quality, our team offers customized solutions to homeowners in Naperville and surrounding communities. It’s our mission to meet your needs in a way that ensures best industry practices. As a design + build company, we strive to add value to every project we undertake. You can count on a broad spectrum of services, including a thorough planning process, a variety of high-quality materials, and advanced construction methods. Give us a call today for a free consultation, and we’ll address any question you may have. Let’s give your kitchen a new lease of life!