This remodeling project transformed a gloomy kitchen with a bright new coastal design. Our clients, Liz and Vikan, are empty nesters living in Brooklyn, WI. They first came to us for a kitchen remodeling project. Their home was built in the 1990s. Their kitchen reflected the time. It was dark, lacked proper lighting, and featured a skewed island in the center of the space, along with a multi-level countertop that bridged the kitchen and living room. The couple had defined their goals and knew exactly what they wanted. They wanted a kitchen with ample lighting, a designated prep space, a smaller range, and proper range hood ventilation. Aesthetically, they wanted their new kitchen to be visually cohesive with the adjacent dining and living room.

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An Artful Blend of Old and New

Initially, we considered all-new cabinetry for this kitchen remodeling project. As we began the design process, we looked at the existing cabinetry. It was oak and in good condition. We chose to incorporate the original oak base cabinetry into our design. The benefits were three-fold: we prevented waste, ensured that we stayed within the client’s budget, and brought a natural warmth and feel to the new kitchen. We relocated the island cabinets to the perimeter in place of the existing larger range. The upper cabinets are custom-built by our Amish cabinet maker and painted a pale blue, providing a beautiful pop of color. The old laminate countertops were replaced with light-colored quartz with gold veining. This choice complements the cabinetry.

 

Creating A Kitchen Island And A New Lighting Plan

Our clients wanted to keep the prep space provided by the existing, but wanted it to be mobile. Our design incorporated an open island with a butcher block countertop. This way, the island is usable but could be picked up and moved when needed. On the opposite side of the room, we eliminated the double-height countertop and created a counter-height seating area. This connects the living space and gives the illusion of a larger kitchen space. We improved the lighting by incorporating ceiling can lights and Innovations Lighting Edison Collection large pendants over the island. Over the new countertop dining area, we hung 3 mini-pendants to give an eye-catching visual detail. Under-cabinet LED strip lighting on the uppers provides ample task lighting and an intimate ambiance.

We incorporated The Original Oak Base Cabinetry Into Our Kitchen’s Interior Design
View Of The Open Concept Floor Plan and Moveable Kitchen Island
 

Creating an Island and a New Lighting Plan

Our clients wanted to keep the prep space provided by the existing, but wanted it to be mobile. Our design incorporated an open island with a butcher block countertop. This way, the island is usable but could be picked up and moved when needed. We eliminated the double-height countertop on the opposite side of the room and created a counter-height seating area. This connects the living space and gives the illusion of a larger kitchen space. We improved the lighting by incorporating ceiling can lights and Innovations Lighting Edison Collection large pendants over the island. We hung three mini-pendants over the new countertop dining area to give an eye-catching visual detail. Under-cabinet LED strip lighting on the uppers provides ample task lighting and an intimate ambiance.

Our Clients Were Very Happy With The Result

Our kitchen remodeling design created a space that perfectly meets the client’s goals and provides new functionality to their kitchen. Liz and Vikan can now enjoy their bright new coastal kitchen with its open, beautiful aesthetic!

 
 

Project Design

Morgan McMahon
UDCP, CRD

Design Mentor

Dave Duewel
(Retired)

Jon Edwards

Lead Carpenter
CLC, CRPM

My husband and I very much enjoyed our experience with Degnan. They were always immediately responsive. The quality of work on our kitchen remodel was excellent.
— Liz & Vikan P