Renovating your kitchen is one of the best investments you can make in your home. An updated, functional kitchen not only enhances your daily cooking and dining experience but also increases the overall value of your property. It also provides an opportunity to improve energy efficiency with updated appliances, create better storage solutions, and design a space tailored to your lifestyle. The latest installment in our Kitchen Renovations shares “The Art of Steel” transformation story. This client initially contacted DEANE with the intent to refinish her cabinets but quickly came to the conclusion she was ready to update her entire kitchen design aesthetic, taking it from classic to transitional.
Classic vs. Transitional
Classic kitchen design emphasizes timeless elegance, featuring ornate details, rich wood tones, and traditional elements like raised-panel cabinetry, intricate molding, and decorative hardware. It often uses warm color palettes, granite countertops, and statement lighting such as chandeliers, creating a formal and traditional feel. Transitional kitchen design, on the other hand, blends traditional charm with modern simplicity, incorporating clean lines, neutral tones, and shaker-style or flat-panel cabinets. It focuses on balance, using minimalist hardware, mixed materials, and streamlined elements to create a timeless yet contemporary look.
Custom Hood & Backsplash
With glazed painted wood, corbels, and a shelf supported with an arched valance, the original hood was decidedly classic in style. The new hood is a mix of brushed and polished stainless steel, adding shine and open airiness to the heavy, ornate box previously there. The backsplash features handmade, ceramic tile with a beveled edge in a vertically-stacked formation, a departure from the traditional horizontal, staggered layout.
Waterfall-edge Island
The existing island finish was pine with a glaze, so the creation of a waterfall-edge island in durable, bright, white Mount Blanc quartzite with movements of greys to play off the custom stainless steel hood contributed to the transitional aesthetic.
Open Shelving
Inspired by the custom hood, a brushed stainless steel open shelving unit was created to the right of the sink to sit on the counter, allowing for the convenient storage of serving pieces and dinnerware adjacent to the table.
Stylish Work Station
With features like sleek cabinetry, a comfortable chair, and good lighting, it seamlessly blends productivity with the kitchen’s overall design. Clarus glass was used for the backsplash, which is not only magnetic but also serves as a dry-erase board, creating a dedicated space for managing daily tasks or working from home.
Butler’s Pantry
As this space was the owner’s only pantry option, the decision was made to maximize the storage by bringing the cabinets down to the countertops. It also functions as a ‘breakfast bar’ and has a contemporary, slab-style door and LED linear recessed lighting in the open shelving.
Feeling Inspired?
Whether you’ve recently purchased a home and want to personalize it to your tastes or simply can no longer bear your old kitchen, our DEANE designers are highly skilled in the art of kitchen transformation. We invite you to visit our Stamford showroom to experience the latest in design styles and explore the possibilities for your new kitchen.
Contact us to schedule your private design consultation.
