They say a person’s pet can reflect their own personality, characteristics, and even appearance. More often than not, a person’s home is the same way! We love it when a completed remodel looks as if it were made specifically for the homeowner (in our case, it always is!) A custom remodel that turns out just as the homeowner imagined and reflects their unique personality is what we consider a successful project. Our recent kitchen remodel in Arlington, Texas is a stunning example of this – a stylish and unique take on modern subway tile, open shelving, and bold pops of color!
After living in her home for years, our client came to us with ideas for refreshing her kitchen that was original to the 1950’s home. She wanted an updated aesthetic, improved storage space, and a built-in banquette seating in the breakfast nook. Our designers discussed the most feasible options to meet those needs and came up with a wonderful solution— enclosing the doorway to the hallway. This created a U-shaped kitchen, providing for additional counter and cabinet space.
Detailed floor plans and 3D renderings showcased the new design, and our client absolutely loved the proposed changes.
Comparing the before and after photos, you can see where the doorway into the hallway was originally located. Although access to the hallway was convenient, it greatly reduced the useable space in the kitchen. The large corner pantry to the left of the doorway was another feature that contributed to the lack of counter space. What many don’t realize is that a reach-in pantry with pull-outs can hold just as much as a walk-in pantry while taking up significantly less square footage. In this specific home, the pantry also housed a bulky water heater tank.
The client opted for a gas tankless water heater instead, which our team mounted outside. This option freed up some valuable space and allowed the wall where the pantry and doorway were to become the perfect place for the new oven, vent hood, and stacked utensil drawers.
Relocating the refrigerator allowed for a longer stretch of counter space to the left and a custom built-in look. The new cabinetry around the fridge included a reach-in pantry, upper cabinets extending to the ceiling, and a convenient broom closet.
Our designers love including a broom closet on the side of the fridge when the space is available! This shallow closet takes advantage of otherwise unused space – and who doesn’t need a designated area for brooms, mops, and cleaning supplies in the kitchen? This is such a genius way to consolidate necessities while keeping a clean aesthetic and improving functionality.
Strategically placed LED can lights brighten the refreshed kitchen, contributing to the modernized look.
Before the remodel, the flooring in the den was sunken, requiring a step up into the kitchen. By leveling out the flooring and staining the new wood floors to match the original flooring in the rest of the house, a sense of consistency and flow was established. Not to mention how much brighter the kitchen is with the lighter flooring!
One of our favorite features in this kitchen is the built-in banquette seating installed beside the new picture window in the breakfast nook. Colorful pillows and artwork reflect the client’s fun personality with a beautiful view of the large backyard, trees, and bird feeders. Such an inviting place to sit with a book and a cup of coffee!
Because lack of storage was one of the main issues with the original kitchen, our designers wanted to optimize storage space as much as possible through this renovation. Convenient drawers were installed below the bench where our client can store board games, extra blankets, books, and more.
The cabinetry was extended down to the breakfast nook, complimenting the bold black subway tile, white grout, 3cm black granite countertop, and matching black cabinet hardware.
Our client knew from the start that she wanted some open shelving in the kitchen and our designers delivered! Chunky wood shelves were installed on each side of the new window behind the sink, showcasing the backsplash tile that was installed up to the ceiling. This trick makes the walls seem taller and provides a beautiful backdrop to the shelves. Shelving in place of upper cabinets results in an airy, spacious feel, and can also add great visual interest.
A convenient trash roll-out and stacked drawers were installed beside the relocated dishwasher. Drawers below the counter instead of traditional lower cabinets with doors optimize available storage space and provide easier access.
The large window behind the sink is much bigger than the original and lets in plenty of natural light. The view is a nice bonus when our client is doing dishes or prepping meals.
In this before and after view, you can tell what a difference it made to remove the corner walk-in pantry! The kitchen feels much larger, and the client no longer has to deal with the inconvenience of the pantry door opening into a crowded kitchen.
A custom wood vent hood was installed over the new oven to match the shelves and wood flooring. Tying in these types of details is what develops consistency and a sense of completion in a room.
Another neat feature used in this kitchen was the double hinges on the upper corner cabinets. This allows the corner cabinet doors to open fully for easy access.
To conserve counter space, a sleek microwave drawer was installed just beside the new pantry. Our designers recommend this appliance for almost every kitchen we remodel as a superior alternative to a traditional microwave. Our clients always love the streamlined look and ease of use!
The completed kitchen is absolutely stunning and brought all of our client’s dreams to life! We are so happy with the outcome of this project. We’d like to say a big thanks to all of our team members, trade professionals, and vendors that helped bring it to fruition:
Structural Design: Michael Medford, Jr.
Aesthetic Design: Stephanie Milford
Drafting and Renderings: Brandy Anderson
Production Management: Dave Broadfield
Project Management: Greg Haws
Trim Carpentry: Neil Norris, Greg Haws, Scott Vernon
Cabinets and Shelving: Fortune Custom Cabinets
Plumbing: Express Master Plumbing
Electrical: Marc Miller Electric
Drywall: Alex Green Drywall
HVAC: Southern Air Mechanical
Paint: Phillip Painting Company
Plumbing Fixtures: Moore Supply Arlington
Countertops, Flooring, & Tile: Hilton’s Flooring
Countertops, Flooring, & Tile Fabrication: HRG Granite
Exterior Doors: Fort Worth Sash & Door
Exterior Windows: M&M Window
Staging: Ali Doskocil & Terri Doskocil
Final Photography: Impressia– Todd Ramsey
We’d also like to share the design selection items used for this project:
If you are interested in remodeling your kitchen to improve the look, functionality, and storage space, our designers would be happy to help! Medford’s custom kitchen design packages include floor plans, 3D renderings, and a detailed Scope of Work document. Together, these documents can provide you with a clear understanding of every aspect of your project. Contact us today for more information and to get the ball rolling on your dream kitchen!
Warm Regards,
The Medford Team
