A DARK, DATED MAIN FLOOR

GETS A NEW LEASE ON LIFE.

With two young kids and very busy schedules, K + P needed a kitchen that could keep up with their family’s day-to-day life… and their existing space was falling short, both functionally and aesthetically. Counter space was very limited, the room felt dark, and the honey oak cabinetry and track lighting no longer reflected how they wanted their home to feel.

Working within the constraints of the home — including an angled pantry and some of the existing kitchen cabinetry — we focused on high-impact updates that would breathe new life into the space. Updated finishes, fixtures, and layered lighting instantly brightened the kitchen, while a brand new breakfast nook created a dedicated spot for casual meals, homework, and family connection.

Two major design moves completely transformed the space. The first was removing the central fireplace that previously divided the two spaces. While early conversations explored redesigning the fireplace in its original location, relocating it completely opened up the floor plan. This shift allowed us to design a new fireplace wall with built-in storage, maximizing functionality and fulfilling K’s long-standing wish for a cozy woodstove fireplace.

The second key change was rotating the island. The original island was small and oriented toward the window, offering minimal usable counter space. By rotating and enlarging it, we were able to double the prep area and reorient the kitchen toward the living room.

The result is a space that feels efficient, bright, and intuitive — a space that finally works as hard as K + P do.

IN COLLABORATION WITH I KNOW A GUY RENOVATIONS

BEFORE

AFTER

“ we are absolutely LOVING the new space. your suggestion of changing the orientation of the island was golden. It's completely shifted the feel of the space and made the kitchen immensely more functional. Thank you! ”