--- title: A Dream Kitchen for the Long Term description: See how KSI transformed a builder-grade kitchen into a custom space with Medallion cabinetry, soapstone, and seamless open design. image: https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hubfs/Blog/2025/22-Ghent--22.jpg --- - [Professional Trades](https://ksikitchens.com/why-ksi-professional-trades/) - [Careers](https://ksikitchens.com/careers/) - [Contact](https://ksikitchens.com/ksi-contact/) [![Ksi Logo Blue](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/KSI_December_2022/images/ksi_logo-blue.svg "Ksi Logo Blue")](https://ksikitchens.com) [![White Logo](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/KSI_December_2022/images/white-logo.svg "White Logo")](https://ksikitchens.com) - [Why KSI](https://ksikitchens.com/why-ksi/#) - [Why KSI Overview](https://ksikitchens.com/why-ksi/) - [About](https://ksikitchens.com/why-ksi/why-ksi-about/) - [Accolades](https://ksikitchens.com/why-ksi/why-ksi-accolades/) - [Professional Trades](https://ksikitchens.com/why-ksi-professional-trades/) - 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[Brighton, MI](https://ksikitchens.com/locations/ksi-kitchen-bath-brighton-design-center/) - [Byron Center, MI](https://ksikitchens.com/locations/ksi-kitchen-bath-byron-center-design-center/) - [Grand Rapids, MI](https://ksikitchens.com/locations/ksi-kitchen-bath-grand-rapids-design-center/) - [Lima, OH](https://ksikitchens.com/locations/ksi-kitchen-bath-lima-design-center/) - [Northville, MI](https://ksikitchens.com/locations/ksi-kitchen-bath-northville-design-center/) - [Macomb, MI](https://ksikitchens.com/locations/ksi-kitchen-bath-macomb-design-center/) - [Rochester Hills, MI](https://ksikitchens.com/locations/locations-kitchen-bath-rochester-hills-design-center/) - [Toledo, OH](https://ksikitchens.com/locations/ksi-kitchen-bath-toledo-design-center/) - [Schedule Free Consultation](https://ksikitchens.com/ksi-make-an-appointment/) ![](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hubfs/Blog/2025/22-Ghent--22.jpg) # A Dream Kitchen for the Long Term Published by [Krista Daily](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/author/krista-daily) on Oct 8, 2025 11:10:00 AM When I first met these homeowners, their goal was clear: they wanted to create a kitchen that felt truly personal and custom. Their home originally had builder-grade cabinetry, which was functional enough, but not the type of space they envisioned for raising their family and entertaining over the years to come. They plan to be here long-term, so it was important that the kitchen reflect their own character and style.   ## Watch Krista's video tour of this stunning transformation!   ## ![Medallion Cabinetry display at the KSI Kitchen & Bath Northville Design Center](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/2025/240202-MV-KSI-Northville_007-1.jpg?width=2000&height=1280&name=240202-MV-KSI-Northville_007-1.jpg) *Medallion Cabinetry display at the KSI Kitchen & Bath Northville Design Center* ## Inspiration to Reality The homeowners came to our first meeting full of inspiration, and when they saw our Medallion Cabinetry display in the showroom, everything clicked. They immediately fell in love with Medallion’s Irish Crème finish – an off-white linen tone that feels timeless yet fresh. From there, we built the entire design around that color, layering in complementary materials and finishes to create a warm, welcoming space.   - ![Expanded kitchen rendering showing dining area](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/2025/render-1.jpg?width=966&height=408&name=render-1.jpg) - ![Kitchen rendering showing range wall](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/2025/render-2.jpg?width=837&height=572&name=render-2.jpg) - ![Kitchen nook area rendering](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/2025/render-3.jpg?width=731&height=583&name=render-3.jpg) *Kitchen Proposal Renderings*     ![Kitchen remodel with large oak island, farmhouse sink, and dining nook with green wainscoting.](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/2025/29-Ghent--29.jpg?width=760&height=507&name=29-Ghent--29.jpg) ## ![Kitchen pre-remodel showing builder grade cabinetry and pantry area](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/2025/Unknown-13.jpeg?width=151&height=113&name=Unknown-13.jpeg)Expanding and Unifying the Kitchen One of the most impactful changes was reimagining the command center and pantry. By opening that space up and continuing the cabinetry, we extended the kitchen and made the storage more functional. This not only unified the look but also gave the family extra room for organization. A unique design detail here is the mix of open shelving and charming apothecary drawers, which add both character and practicality.     ![White Medallion cabinetry with Irish Crème finish, quartz countertops, and oak island with upholstered stools.](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/2025/25-Ghent--25.jpg?width=2592&height=1728&name=25-Ghent--25.jpg) ## ![Kitchen island pre-remodel, with builder-grade cabinetry and drywall construction](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/2025/Unknown-20.jpeg?width=150&height=200&name=Unknown-20.jpeg)A Thoughtful Approach to the Island Another transformation came with the kitchen island. The original island had a curve and lots of drywall built around the back. Rather than removing mechanicals and driving up costs, we worked with the existing footprint. By wrapping the island in quartersawn oak with a light Cappuccino stain, we gave it a fresh, furniture-like feel. It’s a great example of balancing design impact with cost-conscious choices.       - ![Full height quartz backsplash with tile on range wall of kitchen](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/2025/09-Ghent--9.jpg?width=2592&height=1728&name=09-Ghent--9.jpg) - ![Pantry extension with soapstone countertops, open shelving, and additional storage cabinetry.](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/2025/27-Ghent--27.jpg?width=2592&height=1728&name=27-Ghent--27.jpg) ## Quartz and Soapstone: Timeless Countertop Pairings The countertops are one of my favorite features of this remodel. In the main kitchen, we used full-height quartz backsplash for a seamless, elegant look. But in the extended pantry area, the homeowners embraced something truly special – soapstone. It’s a rare choice these days, but so lovely. Soapstone naturally darkens and changes over time, evolving into different versions of its beautiful self. These homeowners loved that idea, and it will continue to evolve and tell their family’s story for years to come.   ![Dining area adjacent to expanded kitchen pantry](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/2025/24-Ghent--24.jpg?width=2592&height=1728&name=24-Ghent--24.jpg) - ![Flooring detail of dining area](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/2025/18-Ghent--18.jpg?width=2592&height=1728&name=18-Ghent--18.jpg) - ![Flooring detail by refrigerator](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/2025/16-Ghent--16-edit.jpg?width=2592&height=1581&name=16-Ghent--16-edit.jpg) - ![Flooring detail by kitchen island](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/2025/17-Ghent--17.jpg?width=2592&height=1728&name=17-Ghent--17.jpg) ## Flooring That Flows Seamlessly Since we opened up walls and adjusted the kitchen layout, we needed to add flooring and ideally make it look seamless. This can be a real challenge, but we were fortunate in that our sister company [Riemer Floors](https://riemerfloors.com) had installed the original new construction floor.  With their help, we were able to confirm that the exact material used for the original new construction floor was still available. This was incredibly fortunate given the age of the floor!  The dye lot matched perfectly, and their team feathered in the new material flawlessly – the result is a continuous flow throughout the space, with no sign that walls were ever moved!     - ![Remodeled kitchen featuring full-height cabinetry, oak island, and pendant lighting.](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/2025/20-Ghent--20.jpg?width=2592&height=1728&name=20-Ghent--20.jpg) - ![Bookshelves and apothecary drawers in expanded kitchen pantry nook](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/2025/11-Ghent--11.jpg?width=1728&height=2592&name=11-Ghent--11.jpg) - ![Medallion cabinetry and soapstone countertops in expanded kitchen pantry nook](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/2025/12-Ghent--12.jpg?width=2592&height=1728&name=12-Ghent--12.jpg) ## A Space That Feels Like Home In the end, this remodel completely transformed a builder-grade kitchen into the kitchen of our clients’ dreams. It’s brighter, more functional, and designed for how they want to live – cooking, entertaining, and raising their family. From soft white cabinetry and warm bronze accents to the bold soapstone counters and timeless quartersawn oak island, every element works together to create a home that feels uniquely theirs.   ### Ready to Start Your Own Remodel? If you’re ready to reimagine your kitchen, we’d love to help you create a space that feels just as personal and lasting. [Request a design consultation](https://ksikitchens.com/ksi-make-an-appointment/) to get started today! --- ![Krista Daily](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/2021/E_898.jpg?width=145&name=E_898.jpg) **Krista Daily** *Krista is a Sr. Designer at KSI Kitchen & Bath's Northville Design Center. Krista gained national recognition in Kitchen & Bath Design News Magazine's 2024 design awards with Honorable Mention in the Best Independent Showroom category for her work designing the KSI Northville Design Center. She has also been recognized by the NAHB with a Gold Award in the 2024 Best in American Living Awards for bath design.* [View Krista Daily’s bio](https://ksikitchens.com/designer/krista-daily/) --- Tags: [kitchen remodel](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/topic/kitchen-remodel), [The Home Chef](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/topic/the-home-chef), [Medallion](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/topic/medallion), [Soapstone](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/topic/soapstone) [Back to Blog](https://blog.ksikitchens.com) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## Related Articles ## [Designing with Intention: How Thoughtful Choices Helped Create a Dream Kitchen on Budget](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/designing-with-intention-how-thoughtful-choices-helped-create-a-dream-kitchen-on-budget) Every design project has its own story, and this one stands out for the creative collaboration and... [Read More](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/designing-with-intention-how-thoughtful-choices-helped-create-a-dream-kitchen-on-budget) ## [Small Space, Stunning Results: An Award-Winning Bath Remodel Story](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/small-space-stunning-results-an-award-winning-bathroom-remodel-story) When my clients purchased their 1958 ranch-style home, they fell in love with its character—white... [Read More](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/small-space-stunning-results-an-award-winning-bathroom-remodel-story) ## [From Cramped & Dated to Light & Bright in Black and White](https://blog.ksikitchens.com/from-cramped-dated-to-light-bright-in-black-and-white) When I first met with these clients, they had been waiting to remodel their kitchen for many years.... 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