The journey of a thousand steps culminates in a single, satisfying completion. After five years of dedicated effort, punctuated by a significant back surgery, I am absolutely thrilled to announce the grand finale of our long-awaited kitchen renovation. It feels immensely good to cross this finish line, a true testament to perseverance and passion for home design. You may have caught glimpses of this transformation through various kitchen cabinet tutorials I’ve shared, offering sneak peeks into the painstaking process. Today, however, is the day to reveal the entire breathtaking space. It’s more than just a kitchen; it’s a dream realized, a functional sanctuary that truly reflects our style and meets our every need.
The Kitchen – A Dramatic Before & After
Stepping back in time, many might recall the initial state of this kitchen – a stark contrast to its current bright and open aesthetic. The most monumental change, and arguably the single biggest impact on the entire home, was the decision to remove the wall that once rigidly separated the kitchen from the living room. This demolition wasn’t just about knocking down drywall; it was about opening up possibilities, fostering connection, and transforming a compartmentalized house into an expansive, inviting open-concept living space. While the previous kitchen boasted decent cabinets and elegant quartz countertops, they simply didn’t align with my personal vision or the farmhouse-inspired style I envisioned for our home. With a clear design aesthetic in mind, I opted to part ways with every single element from the original kitchen, either selling or giving them away, making a clean slate for the custom space that now stands.
Appliance Selection: Balancing Style & Practicality
One of the most enjoyable aspects of embarking on a full kitchen overhaul from the ground up was the freedom to meticulously select every single detail, and this certainly extended to our suite of appliances. Each choice was carefully considered, balancing modern functionality with our desired aesthetic and long-term practicality. It was an exciting challenge to integrate high-performing equipment seamlessly into the custom cabinetry, ensuring both efficiency and visual harmony.
The refrigerator and freezer set consistently sparks questions from visitors, and for good reason—they make a striking statement. We acquired this duo from Home Depot, investing in a 5-year warranty for peace of mind. Our experience with them has been a mixed bag, highlighting valuable lessons in appliance purchasing. Earlier this year, the refrigerator encountered a cooling issue, leading to a rather prolonged repair period of 44 days. Despite this inconvenience, the sheer capacity and sleek design of these units remain highly appealing. So, to preempt the inevitable question, yes, I would still choose to purchase these appliances again for their impressive features. However, a crucial takeaway for Wes and me has been the importance of buying from a local “specialty” appliance store—one that employs its own service technicians. This approach, we believe, promises more reliable and prompt service, a priority for essential kitchen equipment.
Our KitchenAid Microwave/Oven combo has generally performed well. The microwave’s convection cooking feature offers versatility, allowing for baking in a pinch. However, its compact size often proves restrictive for larger baking dishes or multiple items, a limitation we’ve encountered on several occasions. There have been many times we wished for the additional capacity of a second, dedicated oven. Moving forward, for our next kitchen design, we plan to revert to a traditional double oven configuration complemented by a separate, perhaps larger, microwave, optimizing both convenience and baking space.
The KitchenAid 36″ gas cooktop has been a solid performer, equipped with two powerful 20K BTU burners and a delicate 5K BTU simmer/melt burner. My primary critique revolves around its lack of precise flame adjustability. Often, when something is boiling just a bit too vigorously, I attempt a slight reduction, only to find it suddenly drops too low, necessitating another adjustment. Even with close observation of the flames as I turn the knob, there’s a noticeable lag before the flame visibly responds. This isn’t a significant functional impediment, but for a passionate home cook, the desire for more finite control over heat intensity is strong. In future kitchen plans, a cooktop offering greater adjustability will be a priority.
Our 36″ Cavaliere range hood has proven to be an excellent choice, offering powerful extraction while maintaining a remarkably quiet operation. We were able to purchase it for less than $400, representing fantastic value. My initial design preference was for a range hood insert, allowing me to build a completely custom, integrated hood. However, the cost of inserts often proved prohibitive. So, I opted for this decorative vent model, which we’ve been very happy with. It blends well with the kitchen’s aesthetic. A key learning point, especially as Wes frequently uses an indoor grill on the countertop adjacent to the cooktop, is the need for even more robust ventilation. In our next kitchen design, I envision a significantly larger hood to effectively capture all steam and grease mist, preventing accumulation on surfaces like the underside of floating shelves – a minor but persistent issue when cooking bacon or grilling indoors.
Countertops, Sinks, and Faucets: A Foundation of Beauty and Durability
The selections made for our countertops and faucets continue to bring me immense satisfaction, forming a cohesive and highly functional core for the entire kitchen. With dual sinks strategically placed at both ends of our expansive island, the decision to incorporate matching faucets creates a harmonious visual balance. For the cooktop area, I chose absolute black, matte granite – a classic and sophisticated choice that I previously adored in my Illinois kitchen. Its enduring elegance and practicality make it a timeless favorite.
Conversely, the white leathered granite adorning the island is an absolute dream come true. Its textured finish is not only visually captivating but incredibly practical; it possesses a unique ability to subtly conceal minor crumbs or spills, preventing the constant visibility of every speck of dirt. While this can occasionally lead to overlooking a tiny crumb, the trade-off is well worth it. I particularly cherish the textured surface because it avoids the harsh light reflections and the constant display of streaks and smears that often plague flat, polished granite surfaces. This distinctive finish elevates the island into a statement piece that is both beautiful and forgiving.
The faucets I selected, while no longer available on the market, were chosen primarily for their aesthetic appeal and clean lines, perfectly complementing the overall design. They forgo complex functionalities in favor of elegant simplicity. However, a feature I genuinely prefer, and would seek out in future designs, is an “in-counter” button for activating the garbage disposal, offering a seamless and convenient alternative to a wall switch. Similarly, the integrated soap dispenser built directly into the countertop is a small yet significant detail that contributes to a clutter-free and streamlined workspace, reinforcing our commitment to both form and function.
I absolutely adore the Kohler enameled cast iron sinks we installed. Both ends of the island feature the same robust, single-basin sink, and they have truly stood the test of time, maintaining their pristine appearance and functionality despite daily use. Adding to the unparalleled efficiency of this kitchen, we have dishwashers conveniently located adjacent to each sink. The luxury of having two dedicated sinks and two dishwashers cannot be overstated; it fundamentally transforms kitchen workflow, especially during meal prep or entertaining. This dual setup is, without a doubt, a feature I will enthusiastically replicate in our next home, solidifying its place as an indispensable element of a truly functional and enjoyable kitchen.
Innovative Storage Solutions: A Place for Everything
One of the paramount goals for this kitchen renovation was to maximize storage, and I’m delighted to report that we achieved this with tremendous success. The kitchen now boasts an incredible abundance of thoughtfully designed storage solutions. The central island alone houses an impressive nine drawers, providing unparalleled organization for a multitude of kitchen essentials. The top three drawers are shallow, perfect for neatly organizing utensils, cutlery, and smaller gadgets. Beneath them, six deeper drawers offer substantial capacity. Many of these deeper drawers are outfitted with peg organizers, ensuring dishes and cookware remain secure and orderly. Remarkably, two of these large drawers are not even fully utilized, one dedicated to an extensive tea collection and another exclusively for pan lids, highlighting the sheer volume of available space. Complementing the drawers, the island also incorporates hidden cabinets on the opposing side, providing discreet storage for less frequently accessed items. The choice of 12″ appliance pulls from D.Lawless Hardware not only adds a sophisticated design element but also provides robust and comfortable handles for these substantial drawers, blending aesthetics with functionality seamlessly.
The China Hutch and Inviting Window Seat
The dedicated China hutch and adjacent window seat area add significant character and functionality to the kitchen. I previously shared detailed plans for the base of this hutch, followed by a comprehensive tutorial for constructing its upper section. My initial vision for this hutch was to incorporate elegant sliding glass doors, much like those featured in our coffee hutch, designed to beautifully display our china while keeping dust at bay. However, the realities of building in phases sometimes present unforeseen challenges. An alignment issue with the back track meant the rear door wouldn’t slide as intended. Instead of dwelling on the imperfection, I made the decision to simply leave the upper section open. And truthfully, it looks fantastic. Had I not revealed my original intent for glass doors, no one would suspect anything other than what they see now. It’s a wonderful example of letting go of a perfectly planned detail and embracing a beautiful, functional outcome.
The window seat itself is a cozy and practical addition, thoughtfully designed with modern conveniences. It integrates both a floor vent for climate control and a unique toe-kick vacuum port. While the toe-kick vacuum port isn’t used frequently – I often forget it’s there – it’s a brilliant feature for those quick clean-ups, ready for the rare occasion when someone remembers to utilize its convenience. Looking back, if I were to approach this area again, I would have made one significant change: replacing the existing window with a sliding door. This was a desire from the outset, but after enduring the significant stress of demolition (which Wes is not fond of), adding another structural change felt like it would push him beyond his limits. So, I prioritized harmony and let go of the door idea. Renovations, after all, are often about finding that sweet spot of compromise and making decisions that benefit the entire household. It’s about achieving balance and appreciating the beautiful space we’ve created.
The Functional Coffee Hutch
Positioned thoughtfully between the dining room and the side entrance to the kitchen, our coffee hutch has become an indispensable hub for daily routines. This custom-built station, complete with its elegant sliding doors, was initially conceived with an additional feature in mind: a lift-up door designed to discreetly conceal small appliances when not in use. After careful consideration, however, I decided against this extra design element. While the idea of a completely hidden appliance area was appealing for its sleekness, the reality of our daily habits led to a different conclusion. When the time comes to list the house on the market, I envision staging this area meticulously to showcase its inherent attractiveness and functionality. But for our everyday living, accessibility and ease of use trumped the desire for complete concealment.
As it stands, the coffee hutch serves its purpose beautifully as a highly functional and easily accessible station for our most frequently used countertop appliances. The coffee maker, tea pot, and blender are all within arm’s reach, ready for their daily tasks. This setup perfectly accommodates our lifestyle, where these three items are integral to our morning rituals and culinary preparations. The convenience of having them readily available without the extra step of lifting a door has proven to be a practical and time-saving design choice, truly enhancing the efficiency of our kitchen.
The Surprising Hidden Pantry
With the kitchen now fully realized, it beautifully complements the aesthetic and functionality of our hidden pantry, a feature that took a fair bit of persistence to perfect. It was a challenging endeavor, requiring three attempts, but the dedication paid off, and I finally achieved the seamless, integrated look I envisioned for this essential storage space. This hidden gem adds a layer of intrigue and practicality to our home.
During the photo session for the kitchen, our beloved dog, Brody, was constantly by my side, almost becoming part of the decor! He frequently found his way into my shots, so I couldn’t resist including his adorable face in one of the final images. Directly behind Brody, you can catch a glimpse of the cleverly designed doors to the pantry. The real delight, however, comes when these doors slide open to reveal a surprisingly spacious and fully functional walk-in pantry – a true “wow” moment for guests and a daily convenience for us.
In our daily life, we don’t actually close the pantry doors very often. They usually remain open, offering easy access to our food storage. However, having the option to close them is incredibly valuable, especially when taking photographs or hosting guests. It allows us to neatly conceal a utilitarian space, maintaining the clean and uncluttered aesthetic of the kitchen, which is a significant advantage when entertaining. After all, it is a room primarily dedicated to food storage, and while I don’t mind its appearance on a daily basis, the ability to effortlessly hide it from visitors is a design feature I truly appreciate.
This kitchen represents the culmination of an extraordinary amount of effort, vision, and sheer willpower. From the initial, dust-filled days of demolition, through the intricate stages of design and custom building, to the final, meticulous installation of cabinet doors – a process that remarkably spanned five years – every step was a labor of love. And what a transformative impact those doors have made! The feeling of finally having everything in its place, polished and complete, is profoundly rewarding. We are now truly savoring every moment of using this beautifully renovated kitchen, a space that has been meticulously crafted to support our lifestyle and bring joy to our home. It has been an incredible journey, filled with challenges, learning, and immense satisfaction. Thank you for following along and being a part of this remarkable home transformation!