Words fail to do justice to the remarkable and stunning transformation that has taken place in this New Irving Park kitchen. With the help of a very discerning and supportive client, I was granted the creative license to bring together many of my favorite design elements for this exciting project. When it comes to what we do best, this particular project allowed us to truly stretch our imaginations and showcase our collective talents in ways that exceeded our expectations. Hopefully you’ll agree, after seeing the before/after images.

We proudly partnered with Thompson Traders to commission this truly gorgeous range hood. As a remarkable first of its kind, this custom hood from the exclusive Quintana Collection by Kara Cox was thoughtfully designed in a full oval shape, specifically tailored for an elegant central island location. With stunning new countertops and backsplash carefully selected, a beautiful new color that enhances the overall aesthetic, and many more upgrades throughout, you simply won’t believe it’s the very same kitchen!

Before the transformation, we were getting early 2000s, Tuscany vibes.

Walk with me, through one of the most rewarding kitchen projects we’ve ever done. It’s not the largest project we’ve ever tackled, but one that came with more unique challenges and solutions.

This kitchen was dark, outdated and it just felt crowded. Mainly because of that albatross of a range hood in the middle of the room.

Over next to the fridge, we found a perfectly fine location for the microwave, that is, if you never wanted to use that space to place anything from the fridge.

And the poor, beautiful coffee maker was hidden in the pantry under the stairs like Harry Potter.

So we decided to re-inventory the Kitchen real estate to see if there were any creative solutions to these unfortunate compromises.This tall cabinet on the left was converted from pullout shelving to a beverage slash appliance cabinet.

By separating it into two spaces, we were able to give the coffee maker a proper post. And the microwave was relocated beneath the countertop where it enjoys more peaceful, and perhaps less awkward incumbency.

Now that the pantry had been relieved of its coffee duty, to now make way for new stores, we decided to make more sense of the space. By adding a walnut cabinet system below and floating shelves above, we were able to achieve the much needed marriage of form and function.

Now to the next pursuit of said matrimony, our client never found a good use for this counter space next to the ovens, save an occasional hold for the hot lasagna. So we shortened the upper wall cabinets and created a much needed prep/annex sink for the busy kitchen.

his main sink wall had a framed focal point of tile on the backsplash, but somehow the wall lacked any visual interest whatsoever. We also found a discontinuity between the lower corner cabinets and their uppers, which were lost in the original design. The center of focus also need more levity.

So we added corner uppers with floating walnut shelves between for a more modern and functional aesthetic.

I guess the reason I love this kitchen remodel more than most that we’ve done is because we were able to incorporate so many of my favorite elements. This custom range hood - this gorgeous backsplash and countertop

This stone was a selection I fell in love with nearly a year before, while searching for something special at Stone Basyx in Kernersville

The range hood we selected is one that I have always wanted to incorporate in a project since its introduction. A first of its kind, this custom hood from the Quintana Collection by Kara Cox was designed in a full oval for the central island location. With stunning new countertops, a beautiful new color and many more upgrades, it’s hard to believe this is the same kitchen!

Now that the browns and tans are gone, her adjoining rooms flow together effortlessly. Soft, creamy neutrals were the goal. The warm, neutral palette was a perfect choice for our client because, as a physician, she works in sterile, white environments all day.

After working a 24 hour shift, we wanted to make sure she came home to something truly inviting and accommodating. I love how our hardware selections so beautifully complement the range hood, which perfectly anchors the entire design.