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
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.
Kitchen Proposal Renderings
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.
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.
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.
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 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!
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 to get started today!
