• A 1970s kitchen with dark, outdated cabinets and lighting..
• Poor layout.  The range/oven and dishwasher doors bump into each other.
• The space is small and cannot be enlarged.

Solution:

• New, but classical styled,  cabinets are installed keeping with the oak woods in the rest of the house.
• A "U" shaped layout is created for the primary cook with a peninsula for the "chef's helper," making better use of space.
• A microwave/exhaust over the range makes good use of space.
• A butler's Pantry with glass cabinets creates "classy" extra storage.   The glass doors help bounce additional light around the kitchen.
• The old track lighting is replaced with recessed and under-cabinet task lighting.
• Very decorative tile backsplash adds style.
• An undermount sink and granite tops provide visual quality.

• The kitchen of this pre-Civil War house was last remodeled in the 1960s and was badly outdated.
• Everyone entered the house through the laundry room.
• The homeowner frequently entertained large groups so the kitchen had to look really great.  However, she wanted to keep the "old home" feeling.
• More storage was wanted.
• Some attention was needed to structural details, due to the age of the house.

Solution:

• Cabinets were selected to provide clean lines while maintaining old-time details, such as in the Hoosier Cabinet-style butler's pantry.  Glass cabinet doors were used and cottage paneling in the backsplash area.
• Appliances were selected to match, and blend with, the cabinet finish.
• Old doors and windows were re-used and cottage paneling was added to the side entry area.
• Darker wood floors and Red Imperial granite tops contrast against the lace colored cabinets, time and walls to deliver a very elegant, old-home feel.
• The laundry was moved upstairs so that a large opening could be created between the kitchen and the mud room.  The structure was re-supported from below.  Cross beams were needed to support the floor above, so they were styled into the overall kitchen design.