Introduction
Kitchen renovations can completely transform the look, feel, and functionality of one of the most important rooms in a home. This stunning “before and after” from a recent project in Bel Air, Los Angeles provides inspiration for anyone looking to reimagine their kitchen space.
The original kitchen was dated and closed off, with brown cabinetry, black countertops, and minimal natural light. The redesign opened up the space dramatically by knocking down walls, replacing cabinetry, countertops, backsplashes, floors, and more. Vibrant blue lower cabinets and brass accents lend character and style, while large windows and an open floor plan create a fresh, airy environment.
Below, we’ll explore this kitchen renovation in more detail, including goals, the design process, laying out the space, selecting materials and finishes, as well as lessons that can be applied to any kitchen redo. Whether planning a full remodel or simple refresh, the thoughtful approach of this Bel Air project provides many takeaways for creating a kitchen that balances beauty, utility, and design.
Project Goals and Constraints
Like any major home renovation project, the kitchen redo started with identifying needs, constraints, and goals to guide the process. The homeowners sought to completely transform their dated, cramped kitchen into a light, open entertaining space. They desired plenty of storage, a large island, top-of-the-line appliances, and a transitional style blending classic and contemporary elements.
As the kitchen was in the middle of the home without any exterior walls, bringing in more natural light was a challenge. Additionally, the layout and footprint could not be expanded due to structural constraints. With an open concept floor plan adjacent to the entryway, the redesigned kitchen needed to make a statement while maintaining an inviting flow.
Planning and Design Process
With goals identified, the homeowners collaborated with a kitchen designer on concepts to match their vision. Digital 3D models helped visualize the new layout, evaluate options, and make decisions. They selected a two-toned blue and white color scheme inspired by the homeowner’s beach house.
Various iterations refined the footprint to maximize openness and functionality within existing constraints. Oversized island designs focused on angles that facilitated movement while providing ample counter and storage space. Appliance placement was carefully considered to allow for an efficient work triangle. Knocking down walls opened sight lines to the rest of the home.
Throughout the process, the homeowners reviewed material samples for cabinets, countertops, backsplash tile, and finishes. They drew inspiration from kitchens in luxury homes magazines, Pinterest, and designer portfolios to hone their aesthetic. By blending favorite elements from multiple sources, they developed a transitional look balancing traditional and contemporary styles.
Layout and Floor Plan
The original kitchen was closed off from adjacent spaces with walls segmenting the footprint into small distinct zones. Cabinetry, appliances, and countertops lined the perimeter in a U-shape with a cramped eat-in dinette space in the middle.
The redesign transformed the layout by eliminating dividing walls and barriers to the entryway and family room. Removing upper cabinets and a peninsula opened sight lines and enabled natural light to reach all corners.
The new floor plan anchors around a 10-foot-long island with a waterfall edge. Custom drawer bases maximize storage, while the oversized butcher block surface allows for food prep. A small prep sink adds functionality.
On the perimeter, a generous pantry provides storage alongside Sub-Zero refrigerators and modern stainless steel Wolf appliances. Tall cabinetry maintains storage lost from eliminating upper cabinets. The high ceilings accommodate stacked upper cabinets on either side of a decorative range hood.
A sizable eat-in banquette with floating shelves incorporates casual dining without compromising the spacious feel. Large windows and glass doors surrounding the space draw abundant natural light. The open, airy layout facilitates movement between the kitchen, entryway, and family areas for a seamless entertaining environment.
Cabinetry
The existing kitchen featured traditional medium brown cherry wood cabinetry dating to the early 2000s. Stained wood did not match the homeowner’s renewed vision for a lighter, relaxed coastal kitchen.
After reviewing door samples and finishes, the selected cabinetry combines diverse materials and colors for visual interest. Perimeter cabinetry has a fresh white lacquer finish that brightens the space while matching the transitional style. The island features navy lower cabinets topped with weathered wood shelving.
Custom details like staggered height uppers, thick countertop overhangs, and exaggerated crown molding lend high-end bespoke character. Oversized drawers with compartments organize kitchen tools, while pull-out shelves in base cabinets maximize access to storage. Glass-front uppers display serveware as a focal accent.
Thoughtful placement ensures appliances align with cabinetry. A long drawer bank bridges the refrigerator and wall oven to maintain a unified look. The sleek chimney style range hood covers exposed ductwork. Careful planning and custom cabinetry transforms the dated brown box cabinets into a refined mix of classic and contemporary elements.
Countertops
The existing kitchen had standard black composite counters that did little to enhance the space. In evaluating countertop materials, the homeowners weighed factors like durability, maintenance, style, and cost.
Ultimately, they selected a 3cm-thick Calacatta Laza quartzite for perimeter counters and island. This natural stone has an understated white background with elegant grey veining that complements both the navy and white cabinetry. A thick waterfall edge on the island and countertop overhangs adds substantial visual weight.
Quartzite combines the beauty of natural marble and quartz with excellent durability and lower maintenance. The medium-honed finish plays well with both polished metals and textured cabinets. While a significant investment, the counters make a luxurious focal point that elevates the whole kitchen.
Backsplash
The new kitchen expands well beyond basic backsplash materials like ceramic subway tile. The complex range hood backdrop required thoughtful tile work that aligned with the overall aesthetic.
To complement the quartzite countertops, Walker Zanger Calacatta Gold marble subway tiles were selected in a staggered brick pattern. The artisan hand-shaped tiles have subtle variations that catch the light beautifully.
The upper portion of the backsplash transitions to rectangular white tiles in a herringbone pattern framed by Calacatta Gold marble pencil tile accents. This interplay between the varied white tiles creates depth and visual texture while allowing the veining in the marble to shine as an accent.
Strategic tile work and combining materials crafts a backsplash that balances elegance, complexity and subtle coastal style in support of the overall design.
Flooring
Updating the floors provided an opportunity to expand the light, airy feel. The existing kitchen had standard wood-look laminate floors that blended with the dated oak cabinetry.
In keeping with the coastal theme, new white oak hardwood floors were installed throughout the kitchen. Wide 7” planks contribute to the relaxed style, as the unfilled grain patterns and color variations add organic texture.
The shade of the new wood floors contrasts the former kitchen while matching the white perimeter cabinets and quartzite countertops. Seamless flow into the adjoining family room expands the visual space. Durable white oak will patina gracefully with age, adding character that supports the transitional look.
Along with losing upper cabinets, the lighter wood floors make the kitchen feel larger and reflect more light, achieving the homeowners’ goals. Hardwood simplifies transitioning into the family areas while providing a high-end material upgrade.
Lighting
With the reconfigured layout and loss of wall sections, new lighting elements played a crucial role in making the space both functional and dramatic. The homeowners wanted a clean, modern look appropriate for a coastal kitchen.
Large windows along two exposed walls draw ample natural light even to interior areas of the long galley footprint. Sheer white window treatments diffuse the light. White perimeter ceiling molding conceals ropes of LED spot lighting that provide task lighting over the countertops and backsplashes.
Glass orb pendants hang over the kitchen island, providing a sculptural focal point while illuminating prep areas and dining spaces. Slim undercabinet lighting washes worksurfaces with an even glow.
Recessed ceiling cans supplement overall ambient lighting. Dimmers allow adjusting the mood and brightness as needed. The lighting design enhances the visible textures and high-end finishes while removing dark corners and shadows.
Fixtures and Finishes
With its reconstituted stone countertops, marble backsplash, and hardwood flooring, the new kitchen required plumbing and fixture finishes able to match the refined but relaxed look.
Matte black hardware and fixtures have an understated elegance. Black window frames, door handles, and pendant lights match the dark range hood and stainless appliances without appearing too modern. The satin nickel sink and widespread faucet bridge traditional styles and contemporary minimalism.
quizlet start
Here are some questions about the article to summarize key points:
Q: What was the overall goal of the kitchen renovation project in Bel Air?
A: The overall goal was to completely transform an outdated, cramped kitchen into an open, light-filled entertaining space with plenty of storage, high-end amenities, and a transitional style.
Q: How did the homeowners determine the layout and floor plan?
A: They worked with a designer to create 3D models visualizing different layouts within structural constraints. The final design maximized openness through a large island, eliminated walls, and added windows.
Q: What cabinetry changes helped transform the look?
A: The homeowners switched from dated brown wood cabinets to a mix of white lacquer, navy lower cabinets, and weathered wood accents for a fresher, coastal aesthetic.
Q: How did the backsplash complement the goals of the redesign?
A: Using marble subway tiles and herringbone patterns added elegance while the white color scheme kept the coastal look light and airy.
Q: What were some key lighting elements included?
A: Ambient lighting like recessed cans, task lighting like undercabinet strips, and dramatic pendants over the large island.
quizlet end
Key Takeaways
This dramatic kitchen transformation contains several important lessons applicable to any redesign:
- Clearly defining goals, constraints, and priorities at the outset provides direction.
- Thoughtful planning considering layout, storage, light, and flow establishes the framework.
- Mixing cabinetry materials, colors, and styles creates interest.
- Countertops should align with the overall aesthetic as a focal element.
- Creative backsplashes utilizing varied materials elevate the design.
- Flooring can reinforce the intended style while expanding visual space.
- Lighting serves key functional and aesthetic roles.
- Plumbing fixtures and hardware finishes should coordinate with other materials.
- A combination of open concept and defined zones tailors the environment.
The homeowners took a dated, tired kitchen and reimagined it as a beautiful, inviting space for casual dining and entertaining. Their careful attention to each design decision resulted in a cohesive look true to their original vision.
This Bel Air project provides inspiration to homeowners that even the most challenging kitchens can be completely transformed with proper planning, expert help, and adherence to a thoughtful vision.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about renovating a kitchen like the one in this Bel Air project:
Q: What are some hallmarks of a transitional kitchen design style?
A: Transitional kitchens blend traditional and contemporary elements. They often feature sleek lines with some ornate details, a mix of materials and textures, and a neutral color palette.
Q: What are common ways to open up a cramped, closed-off kitchen?
A: Knocking down walls, removing upper cabinets, adding an island, incorporating glass cabinet doors, opening sightlines, and installing windows or skylights can make a kitchen feel more spacious.
Q: How important is lighting in a kitchen renovation?
A: Lighting is extremely important for functionality and ambiance. A combination of natural light, overhead fixtures, task lighting, and accent lighting creates an inviting, easy-to-use kitchen.
Q: What are some backsplash ideas beyond basic subway tile?
A: Creative backsplash options include mosaic tiles, marble or travertine, mix of tiles, brick, stone slabs, limestone, glass, and even metal like zinc or copper.
Q: How can you add character to plain cabinetry?
A: Custom details like crown molding, staggered uppers, exaggerated hardware, specialty finishes like glaze or distressing, glass doors, and mixing colors, stains, or materials can customize stock cabinets.
Q: What are pros and cons of quartzite countertops?
A: Quartzite resists scratches, stains, and heat. However, it needs occasional sealing. The high-end material costs more than granite but less than natural marble.
Q: Where should you splurge vs. save in a kitchen renovation?
A: Splurge on surfaces (counters, backsplash), appliances, sinks/faucets. Save on paint, lighting, simpler cabinetry. Get creative mixing high-end and budget-friendly materials!
Conclusion
This Bel Air kitchen transformation demonstrates how renovations can modernize and dramatically improve outdated, cramped spaces. The homeowners made high-impact upgrades like opening sight lines, swapping cabinets and countertops, installing statement lighting, and bringing in natural light through reconfigured windows and skylights. Their focus on creating an inviting, luxurious, yet unfussy transitional interior resulted in a light-filled kitchen ideal for relaxed entertaining.
While not every homeowner may have the budget for top-of-the-line appliances, couture fixtures, and exotic stone surfaces, many of the lessons can guide modest renovations. Thoughtful planning to work within existing constraints, attention to lighting and layout, and mixing old with new allows character and customization without breaking the bank. With upfront goal setting and creativity, nearly any dated kitchen can receive a fresh new look perfect for gatherings with family and friends for years to come.
