When my client first came to me, she had one request: no boring white kitchen. She shared a stunning inspiration photo that immediately set the tone—rich, moody, warm, and bold. This wasn’t just about replacing cabinetry or appliances. It was about crafting a space that reflected her personality and lifestyle. And although we were working with a smaller kitchen footprint in an older home in Beverly Hills, MI, we knew we could make it spectacular.
What made this project truly exceptional was the attention to detail. From swapping out appliance hardware to match the cabinet pulls, to selecting the perfect trim on the tiled hood, no decision was made lightly. Everything needed to be cohesive, custom, and considered.
Current trends are leaning toward dark and dramatic interiors—but balance is key. We paired black countertops and black oak floors with vertically stacked white subway tile to keep the space feeling open and inviting. We even pivoted from an originally planned matte black range to a stainless option to keep things light where it mattered.
Cabinetry style was a journey in itself. We started with slab doors but, after a second burst of inspiration from the client, shifted to a micro-shaker profile called Ava from Inspira Cabinetry in Rift White Oak with a Sparrow stain in matte finish. The frameless construction gave her more usable storage in every drawer and cabinet—a small change that makes a big impact in tight spaces.
We also maximized storage wherever we could: a deep cabinet above the refrigerator, a peg system for dishes in the drawers, and a “magic corner” that makes pots and pans easily accessible. Even her microwave found a new home in an expanded pantry with matching drawers below!
One of the biggest visual transformations came from the tiled hood. Instead of opting for a standard stainless steel appliance, the tiled hood adds a layer of sophistication and makes the room feel bigger and more custom. We used 2"x10" Look Porcelain Wall Tile in Bianco to bring a light feel to the hood and backsplash, balancing out the kitchen's dark and moody elements.
And let’s not forget the countertops—black and gold marble that is nothing short of showstopping. She previously had concrete countertops and knew how to live with natural materials, so marble was a perfect fit. We found the perfect slab at Terrazzo & Marble Supply, installed with meticulous attention to detail by Leonardo's Marble & Granite.
We also upgraded her traditional double-bowl drop-in sink to a single Ruvati workstation sink. With a drying rack, strainer, and built-in cutting board, it expands the prep space and supports how she actually uses her kitchen—something every homeowner deserves.
At KSI, we know that beautiful, functional kitchens aren’t reserved just for sprawling new builds. This project proves that even a modest kitchen can become a luxurious, personalized space. Whether you’re looking to renovate your own small kitchen or dreaming of a dramatic transformation, we’re here to help you bring that vision to life—every thoughtful detail at a time.
Ready to get started? Schedule a free consultation at one of our design centers and let’s talk about what’s possible in your space.