Fall in Love with Your Home Again: A Thoughtful Kitchen Transformation

When this couple came to us last year, they knew they wanted a fresh look for their kitchen but weren’t looking for a drastic overhaul. Their home, filled with warm golden oak—a hallmark of 90s and early 2000s design—had elements they cherished and they wanted to ensure any updates would complement the existing aesthetic.

Their goal? A kitchen refresh that balanced modern functionality with the timeless character of their home.

Keeping What’s Important, Updating the Rest

One of the key aspects of this renovation was working within the existing footprint. The homeowners wanted to preserve the character of their home by maintaining the existing footprint, ensuring it complemented the oak trim and baseboards they loved, while keeping the layout unchanged. Our lead designer, Shaelee Bauer, ensured that the new design respected these elements while enhancing functionality.

Without knocking down walls, the focus shifted to maximizing storage and enhancing the space visually.

To achieve this, we:

• Removed the bulkhead above the existing cabinetry and extended the cabinets to the ceiling for a more streamlined, contemporary look.
• Eliminated the microwave shelf in favour of more cabinet storage, keeping the kitchen feeling open and functional.
• Added tall pantry cabinets to the breakfast nook, creating more storage without disrupting the flow of the space.

Converted the outdated phone desk (a common feature in homes of this era) into a full base cabinet with drawers—enhancing practicality while maintaining the landing space by the back door.

These simple yet impactful updates gave the kitchen a facelift without altering the structural integrity of the home, proving that small changes can make a big difference.

A Perfect Colour Pairing for a Fresh, Modern Look

Finding the right finishes was essential for bridging the gap between classic and contemporary. The homeowners opted for two-tone cabinetry, a trend that continues to grow in popularity. Haven Grey was selected for the upper cabinets and pantry, providing a soft, neutral contrast to the rich Jasper Green lower cabinets. The colour choice was inspired by nature, blending sage greens and taupe hues that complemented the warmth of the oak throughout the home.

To further modernize the space, we:

• Used Corian Solid Surface Willow countertops and extended them as a full-height backsplash, creating a seamless and sophisticated aesthetic. The Corian was also selected to accommodate an integrated sink, a unique feature that enhances both functionality and design.
• Followed the light-on-top, dark-on-bottom approach, which naturally draws the eye upward and makes the kitchen feel more open and spacious.

Haven Grey, introduced in 2023, has quickly become a favourite among homeowners looking for a soft, off-white neutral that is warmer than grey but not stark white—a perfect choice for those seeking a fresh, airy feel without sacrificing warmth.

A Dream Collaboration with Striking Results!

Working with this couple was an absolute pleasure. They trusted the design process with Shaelee, while knowing exactly what they wanted to achieve—a harmonious blend of old and new that would make their home feel refreshed yet familiar. With the updates in place, their kitchen is now a warm, inviting space, ideal for hosting dinner parties and family gatherings.

This renovation serves as a great example that you don’t have to start from scratch to fall in love with your home again. With thoughtful updates and expert guidance, even small changes can make a significant impact.

Thinking about refreshing your space? Let’s chat about how we can help you reimagine your home while keeping the elements you love!