The before-and-after images from our luxury kitchen renovation still feel almost unreal. We set out to transform a dark, 2005-era kitchen into a timeless, high-end yet family-friendly space for our household of six. This post gathers the key details and choices we made, with the hope it serves as a helpful resource or a source of inspiration for your own remodel.
Full transparency: sharing before-and-after photos can make a major renovation seem straightforward, but the process was challenging and often stressful. Some contractors we worked with were excellent; others required rework and delayed the timeline. If you plan a remodel, hire an extremely organized, communicative contractor and confirm schedules and responsibilities in writing.
Note: many major items—appliances, cabinetry, and finishes—were ordered before demolition began. Demo started in February 2022 and the project wrapped in November.
Same view on move-in day:
Our Major Kitchen Remodel Reveal
Links to sources and shopping notes appear later in the post. The ceilings are 10 ft.
Cabinets
We selected cabinetry from Crystal Cabinetry in the color Frosty White, a warm, creamy shade that reads softer than stark white. Choosing a warm tone helped keep the space inviting and cohesive with other finishes.
Paint Colors
To maintain a uniform, calm backdrop, we painted drywall and trim to harmonize with the cabinets. The result is a warm, creamy white similar to popular soft white paints often used to create a collected, timeless look.
Opening Up the Kitchen
Originally the kitchen was closed off by four walls and narrow doorways. We didn’t want a completely open-plan home, but we did want better flow. After consulting an engineer, we installed a steel beam and removed the wall between the living room and kitchen. A wide, detailed arch with millwork now frames the connection between the two rooms and keeps each space distinct while allowing sightlines and light to travel through.
Floors
We installed solid white oak hardwood floors in a herringbone pattern. Herringbone adds visual interest and a classic feel that complements the custom cabinetry and marble surfaces. For more on color and installation details, see the dedicated post about our herringbone floors.
Marble Countertops and Backsplash
We used three slabs of honed Arabescato Vagli marble sourced from our fabricator. Choosing a honed finish keeps the kitchen feeling collected and slightly softer, avoiding a glossy, brand-new look.
After eight months of use the marble still looks pristine overall, but like all natural marble it will etch when exposed to acidic spills. Etching is subtle but inevitable over time; sealing annually and practicing prompt cleaning reduces the risk of stains and keeps the surface looking its best.
If you prefer a maintenance-free surface, consider quartz or quartzite as alternatives to natural marble.
A view from our living room shows how the kitchen and living spaces relate to each other now that we’ve opened the wall.
Sink and Faucet
We installed a 33″ apron-front workstation fireclay sink for durability and easy maintenance. Fireclay resists chipping and stays white with regular care. Our faucet is an unlacquered brass pulldown style with a separate filtered water tap, soap dispenser, and disposal button. Unlacquered brass develops a natural patina over time; if you prefer a consistent sheen, you can polish it periodically, but maintenance is optional.
Breakfast Nook
The breakfast nook was transformed from a small, dated corner into a cozy, sunlit dining area with glass-front cabinets, classic brass hardware, and a round table that welcomes family meals. Lightweight, sturdy French-style chairs keep this area practical for children while maintaining the room’s refined aesthetic.
Drapes and Window Treatments
Our draperies were custom-made with a decorative trim to suit the bay window. Heavy, tailored drapes frame the nook and add softness and texture to the bright corner.
Stools
To keep the kitchen approachable, we chose woven counter stools that are comfortable and durable. They balance the formality of marble and brass, so guests and family members feel welcome and at ease.
Appliances
We repurposed our original Thermador oven/microwave/warming drawer as secondary appliances in the scullery. New paneled Miele dishwashers and a column Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer were ordered early—take note that paneled specialty appliances can have long lead times. For the range we chose a well-reviewed Fulgor Milano model with a griddle for performance and value.
Kitchen Runner
A soft, durable runner ties the island and work zones together. We secure ours with a double-sided rug tape to prevent slipping on the hardwood floor.
Hardware
We selected heavy, high-quality unlacquered brass hardware for cabinets, drawers, and appliances. The substantial weight and finish elevate the kitchen’s look and feel; the natural patina of unlacquered brass is optional to maintain depending on your preference.
Built-in Dog Bowls
We reclaimed an awkward space that had been the back of an HVAC return and worked with an HVAC contractor to relocate the return. The shallow niche became the perfect spot for built-in dog bowls—an example of finding creative, functional solutions in a remodel.
Lighting
We balanced pendant lighting over the island with a statement chandelier above the breakfast table and lantern-style wall sconces to add layered, warm light throughout the kitchen.
Island Outlets
Outlets are discreetly mounted under the island overhang on the stool side, keeping counters clean while providing convenient power for devices and small appliances.
Shop Notes and Sourcing
Below are non-linked notes to items we used or recommend for similar projects: our kitchen runner; woven counter stools; woven dining chairs; a compact step stool for kids; decorative vases and faux stems for tabletop styling; a marble pedestal bowl and faux artichokes for styling; our fireclay workstation sink; and a durable rug tape for securing runners. These are examples of the types of items that helped complete the final, lived-in look of the kitchen.
Further reading suggestions: articles on kitchen styles that age well, greige cabinet colors, and black-and-white kitchens that remain timeless can help refine design decisions.
If you’d like to follow the ongoing renovation journey and styling updates, follow on social channels or join community groups focused on home design and décor.