A 1990s Kitchen Renovation Project in DeForest, Wis.

At Degnan Design Build Remodel, we're extremely proud of the relationships we build with our clients. Many are repeat customers like Mark, Kim, and their young son David. We've worked with them over the past decade as they've been making their home in the Sunnybrook neighborhood of Deforest, WI, their own.

Having already brought the exterior up to date by replacing all of their windows and the front door, it was time to begin working with them on renovating the interior! The first project was updating the kitchen. Although their old layout was working, it was time to bring the space into the 21st century, making some changes so it could work even better.

The space featured an existing peninsula that was a bit cumbersome and not working to their advantage when the family spent time together cooking or baking. Because they were mostly happy with the kitchen's existing layout, they chose to do the project efficiently, making choice materials upgrades, rather than ripping everything out and starting completely over. 

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Our design focused on keeping the kitchen's existing layout while maximizing cabinet and countertop space and upgrading finishes to put their personal stamp on the space, bringing it up to their high personal standards.

 Bringing a 1990s Kitchen Renovation Into the Year 2020!

While Mark and Kim's original kitchen had a u-shape peninsula, the existing layout created a pinch point with the refrigerator positioned next to a countertop and the peninsula. Because their home also features both a dinette and a formal dining room, the peninsula seating was an unused feature. 

We could have created a new design incorporating a more functional peninsula, but it was time to take this dated 1990's kitchen renovation into the year 2020. Our clients are committed to using the dinette table, making the peninsula unnecessary. Our design solution was to remove the peninsula and give them a “right-sized” island that brings them closer to the action in the kitchen and gives them much needed additional storage. The island provides the workspace they need when cooking as a family and is conveniently placed between the sink, range, and refrigerator.

Speaking with our clients during the preliminary design process, we learned that the peninsula countertop was the favorite work area for Mark and Kim because there were no upper cabinets to obstruct their comfort. After some discussion, they realized that while they loved working on the countertop, they didn't utilize the entire 36-inch depth. And because they preferred the dinette, they never used any bar stools underneath the overhang; in fact, it was really of no value to them.

As a result, we incorporate a 60 by 24-inch island that provided them with a perfect workspace, as well as the additional storage they needed, while eliminating the overhang and maintaining the proper distance to the dishwasher, range, and refrigerator.

While we kept the existing layout in terms of appliances, the fact is, a proper remodel, even when the layout doesn't change, requires especially careful attention to flow and functionality. To ensure our design met Mark, Kim, and David's needs, we placed masking tape on the floor so they could imagine and visualize the countertop location during the design process. They took some time to make sure that the layout of the space met their vision.

Functionality and Aesthetic Appeal!

While our design incorporated the best-loved features of their existing kitchen, for example, the original location of the appliances, we tweaked the design to make this 1990s kitchen renovation more modern, improve its functionality, and upgraded finishes and fixtures from the existing builder's grade finish to a more upscale, personalized look.

Started by eliminating the small countertop section next to the refrigerator and replacing it with a new tall Dura Supreme Crestwood cabinet with Acadia panel doors in cherry wood with a cider stain creating a functional space that not only added much-needed pantry storage but gives the new GE side-by-side refrigerator a built-in feel. This opened up the space to give them more cabinet space and more functional storage options. We installed the Dura Supreme Crestwood Cabinet uppers all the way to the ceiling give the homeowners additional storage for those essential-to-have yet seldom-used items that are part of every kitchen.

While we kept the original location for the sink, stove, and refrigerator, we upgraded to GE appliances, including a GE 1.9 cu ft Over-the-Range sensor microwave. We also upgraded the sink fixture to the Kohler Simplice pull-out spray faucet in vibrant stainless to match the appliances. 

Along with the new cabinetry, we installed an upgraded Cambria Bradshaw countertop. We completed the kitchen with a Florida Tile Retroclassique 3x6” ceramic subway tile in Linen in an offset brick pattern. To complete the kitchen, we included Nuvo Lighting from the Elizabeth Collection in Sudbury Bronze.

The end result? Nothing short of a total transformation of this 1990s kitchen renovation bringing it solidly into 2020! While we basically kept the kitchen's existing layout, making some changes like replacing the peninsula with a functional island, replacing the countertop next to the refrigerator with a tall pantry cabinet, and running the uppers all the way to the ceiling, added tremendous functionality. The backsplash, subway tile, new Armstrong Alterna engineered tile floor, and stylish new lighting transform the space's functionality and aesthetics. 

The quality standards and workmanship we brought to prior projects for the homeowners were brought into this phase, and the result is a delighted client! Now, entering the home is a true pleasure as you can feel the warmth and consideration put into each element. This is a home that truly reflects the style and personality of the homeowners!

If you're planning a kitchen remodeling project or just want to explore the possibilities, give our award-winning design team a call at (608) 846-5963. We're always happy to talk to you about our process and explore the possibilities!