Seeing Possibilities Beyond the Obvious

After more than 30 years with the same kitchen, this homeowner was ready for a change. He wanted better storage, improved functionality, a dedicated place to conceal the garbage and recycling bins, and a kitchen that felt lighter and brighter.

What he didn't realize was how much more could be accomplished with thoughtful planning.

By completely reworking the layout and relocating the refrigerator and stove, we created a kitchen with better storage, improved workspace and a much more practical arrangement for everyday use.

But some of the most valuable improvements weren't on his original wish list.

Small Changes That Made a Big Difference

The passage to the basement was narrow, making it difficult to move larger items up and down the stairs. Enlarging the opening wasn't an option, so we approached the problem differently.

By designing a section of base cabinetry with a shallower depth, we created additional clearance without changing the doorway. We also refreshed the landing at the top of the basement stairs, which serves as the exit to the backyard.

During construction, we discovered significant damage to a couple of the roof rafters above the kitchen ceiling. We coordinated the necessary repairs, along with the installation of additional insulation where needed. Addressing these issues during the renovation meant the homeowner benefited from improvements he hadn't originally anticipated.

The finished kitchen delivered everything the homeowner originally wanted—and improvements he hadn't known to ask for.

His reaction at the end of the project said it all: he never thought he'd have a kitchen this nice.