A Space That Works: Designing a Warm, Functional Kitchen for Everyday Life

When I first met these homeowners, they came to our design consultation with a hand-sketched layout of their dream kitchen – complete with ideas for the adjacent dining and laundry areas. Both work professionally in architecture and engineering, so they approached the remodel with a meticulous eye and a clear vision. That made our collaboration really rewarding – we were speaking the same language when it came to form, function, and flow. My role was to take their thoughtful ideas and translate them into a cohesive design that not only looked beautiful but worked seamlessly for their day-to-day life.

Reimagining the Flow of the Home

Nestled in a quiet Northville neighborhood, this home's first-floor layout had several aspects that we wanted to address: the kitchen, the original dining room, and the laundry room. The goal was to create a more open, usable layout that still felt warm and connected to the traditional style found throughout the rest of the home.

Plans showing changes to walls and entryways

We removed walls to open up the kitchen and carve out a defined dining area. The laundry room was expanded to be more functional. And through it all, we kept their desire for added storage and a modern-yet-timeless feel front and center.

Although the homeowners stayed close to the same color palette they had before, the transformation is dramatic. By reworking the layout and creating better flow, the entire space feels brand new – and now it works so much better for their daily routines.

Where Function Meets Beauty

One of the highlights of this kitchen is the oversized island. It’s not just a striking focal point with its waterfall-edge black quartz and subtle gold veining – it’s also the heart of the home. Whether it’s meal prep, entertaining, or simply gathering with family, the island supports it all. Sourcing the perfect quartz slab took time (and lots of hunting!), but it was well worth it to get the horizontal veining just right across the entire piece.

Storage was a big priority, so we designed a cabinet layout that offers tons of functionality without crowding the space. From prep areas and pantry storage to deep drawers and designated zones for appliances, every inch has a purpose.

Mixing Cabinet Lines, Seamlessly

This kitchen is mostly Merillat Masterpiece cabinetry, but we did something a little different in the beverage center and coffee bar. The homeowners wanted pocket doors to conceal their espresso machine and supplies when not in use, but still keep everything accessible for entertaining. Pocket doors weren’t available in the Masterpiece line, so I sourced that section from Medallion Cabinetry instead – and was able to find a perfect match in finish and door style. The transition is so seamless, you’d never know it wasn’t all one line.

On-Trend, Yet Timeless

I always try to strike a balance between what’s trending and what will still look great ten years from now. Warm wood cabinetry, which is definitely making a comeback, gives the kitchen a cozy, rich feel. The black countertops and mixed metal accents add a little edge, while touches like hidden storage and matte black hardware keep the space modern.

The result is a kitchen that’s incredibly functional, warm, and welcoming – built for real life but beautiful enough to make a lasting impression.

view from living room pass-through

A Design That Reflects Their Lifestyle

What I love most about this project is how well it reflects the homeowners and the way they live. They’re thoughtful, detail-oriented people who wanted a space that felt inviting but highly functional. And that’s exactly what we achieved together.

Ready to Start Your Own Kitchen Remodel?

If you’re dreaming of a space that better fits your lifestyle – whether that means opening walls, rethinking flow, or maximizing storage – KSI can help. We offer full-service remodeling, from design to installation.

Make an appointment and let’s start designing a space that works beautifully for you.