This kitchen update was a part of an entire interior renovation of a 12 year old home. The homeowner purchased the home for its amenities, location, and great upgrade potential. As the before pictures show, the kitchen had a good layout, but was outdated in many ways.

As a cost savings, we decided to leave the cabinet boxes since they were in good shape and install new custom faux finished doors, drawer fronts and cabinet side panels. A two-piece dentil crown molding was used to accent the new cabinet style. The cabinet faux finish consisted of a five-step process resulting in an Antique Buttermilk finish. The finishing design accent was the installation of the antique black cabinet hardware.

Granite counter tops were used with a 4 x 4 tumbled marble coordinating backsplash installed on a diagonal. The tumbled marble backsplash was a nice design feature accenting the granite and adding texture to the kitchen. An under mount bisque colored kitchen porcelain sink and stylish brushed nickel faucet, coordinated with the new bisque colored appliances, and added another design feature.

The textured ceilings were scraped and finished smooth. Installation of seven soffit can lights, four under cabinet halogen lights, two drop down island pendent lights, and a new iron breakfast area fixture, updated, brightened and provided needed functional lighting for the kitchen.

The existing hardwood floor was removed because the homeowner wanted a darker wood floor finish and wood flooring installed in adjoining spaces, which were previously carpeted. The first floor was built on a concrete slab. Due to considerable irregularities in the existing concrete floor, the entire floor was skim coated with a portland based underlayment patch. Subsequently, a red oak prefinished Gunstock color, 7-¾ inch plank was installed throughout the kitchen and remainder of the first floor with exception of the bedroom.

The two-color wall paint scheme complemented the new kitchen layout.

The most challenging part of this project was to plan and schedule every phase on a very timely basis to achieve the homeowner’s ultimate goal of moving in before July 4. The entire project took only two months, finishing one month early. The homeowners began move in on June 28, 2001.

The homeowners are extremely pleased with their newly renovated kitchen and home.