Introduction
Kitchen remodels can be daunting, but with careful planning and design, you can transform an overwrought, outdated kitchen into a simplified, beautiful, and functional space. This week’s featured kitchen is a stunning example of how removing ornate elements and opening up the layout creates a brighter, more inviting kitchen. Read on to learn how the homeowners and their contractor turned this 1990s kitchen from cluttered to contemporary.
Section 1: Assessing the Existing Kitchen
When the homeowners purchased their home, the kitchen was very much a product of the late 1990s era with cherry cabinets, granite countertops, and ornate carvings and trim work. The cabinets and island were a reddish wood tone that made the space feel dark and closed in. The layout featured two peninsulas that blocked sightlines and separated the kitchen from the rest of the home. Appliances and fixtures were outdated.
Before beginning their remodel, the homeowners analyzed the existing kitchen to determine what elements needed updating:
- Cabinets – Although structurally sound, the cherry cabinet’s color and carved details dated the space.
- Islands – The placement of the islands restricted movement and flow.
- Countertops – Existing granite countertops were in good condition but a very ornate pattern.
- Lighting – Task lighting was insufficient and the overhead lighting was builder-grade fixtures that cast a yellowish glow.
- Flooring – The existing tile flooring was worn and damaged in spots.
- Appliances and fixtures – Appliances were over 10 years old; faucet and sink were basic models.
Making notes of these issues would help guide the kitchen redesign.
Section 2: Planning the Remodel
With a vision for a lighter, cleaner, and more open kitchen in mind, the homeowners focused their remodeling plans on the following:
- Cabinets – Refacing cabinet boxes but removing and replacing all carved details with shaker-style cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Repainting the cabinets white to reflect more light.
- Islands – Modifying the island layout to improve workflow and open up sightlines. Reducing peninsulas to a single, more functional island.
- Countertops – Replacing heavy granite countertops with crisp white quartz.
- Lighting – Adding LED undercabinet lighting. Replacing overhead fixtures with simple pendant lights. Incorporating recessed lighting.
- Flooring – Switching to wide-plank white oak hardwood floors throughout the kitchen for warmth.
- Appliances and fixtures – Installing new stainless steel appliances and modern chrome faucet.
Selecting timeless, Transitional-style selections would help modernize and streamline the space.
Section 3: The Remodel Process
With their plan in place, it took the homeowners 8 weeks to complete the remodel. They worked with a contractor to manage all aspects of the kitchen overhaul:
- Week 1: Demolition – The contractor removed the existing cabinets, countertops, flooring, lighting fixtures, and peninsula sections. The appliances were disconnected and removed.
- Weeks 2-3: Installation – New LED lighting was added throughout. The original cabinet boxes were refaced, trimmed, and painted white. New shaker-style doors replaced ornate originals. Quartersawn white oak floors were installed.
- Weeks 4-5: Countertops – Crisp white quartz countertops were templated and installed with a waterfall edge on the island. The sink was undermounted for a streamlined look.
- Weeks 6-7: Finishing – The team installed and connected modern stainless steel appliances. New chrome fixtures including the faucet and sink were added. Final cabinet adjustments were made.
- Week 8: Completion – The new backsplash was installed, touched up, and grouted. Accessories like new shelving completed the remodel.
The homeowners were thrilled with the light-filled, uncluttered look of their new kitchen. By simplifying the finishes and layout, the space looked larger and brighter.
Section 4: Elements of the Redesigned Kitchen
Here are some of the standout elements of the newly remodeled kitchen:
Cabinets
- Refaced and painted existing cabinet boxes bright white
- Removed all ornate carved details and replaced with flat shaker-style cabinet fronts
- Open shelving added next to refrigerator
Island
- Original double islands replaced with one central island
- Waterfall edge quartz countertop overhangs on one side
- Floating design enhances lightness and flow
Countertops
- Existing granite replaced with white quartz throughout
- Minimal veining in countertops keeps look uncluttered
- Crisp square edges, except for waterfall island overhang
Flooring
- Dated tile floor swapped for wide-plank white oak hardwood
- Planks run lengthwise for visual expansion of space
Lighting
- All recessed can lights switched out to LEDs
- Pendant lights hang over island
- Undercabinet lighting illuminates workspaces
Appliances/Fixtures
- Stainless steel appliance suite for modern look
- Apron-front sink and chrome faucet updated
Section 5: Benefits of a Simplified Kitchen
Paring down ornamentation and opening up the layout resulted in a kitchen with the following benefits:
- Brighter, lighter appearance due to white cabinets/quartz and fewer barriers to natural light flow.
- More spacious feel with unobstructed sightlines and multi-purpose island placement.
- Clear, logical workflow between sink, appliances, prep zones, and shelving.
- Easy-to-maintain finishes that are resistant to wear, fingerprints, and dirt.
- Classic elements like subway tile backsplash, chrome hardware, and hardwood floors for timeless appeal.
- Higher functionality with adequate task lighting, updated appliances, and streamlined storage.
By starting with an outdated kitchen and simplifying its layout and finishes, the homeowners created an open, contemporary space that suits their needs now and for years to come. This bright white kitchen proves you don’t need ornate details to create beauty.
Conclusion
This kitchen overhaul is an inspiration for homeowners seeking to modernize an outdated kitchen. Clearing away visual clutter, opening up the floorplan, adding task lighting, and simplifying finishes can make a kitchen feel fresh and inviting. Focusing on how your family uses the kitchen day-to-day and selecting durable materials that reflect your lifestyle is key. With thoughtful planning and design, it’s possible to take a kitchen from overdone to stylish by spotlighting the beauty in simplicity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Simplifying a Kitchen Remodel
How do you decide what to remove in a kitchen remodel?
Focus on elements that look visually outdated or involve finishes, colors, or layouts that no longer work for your family. Make note of anything that makes the kitchen feel cramped, dated, or dark. Overly ornate trim, inefficient lighting, and closed off layouts are common removal targets.
What are the best countertop materials for a simplified look?
Materials like white quartz, marble, and laminate in neutral solid colors keep countertops looking streamlined. Avoid heavily veined patterns. Edge profiles can also affect the vibe – squared off edges feel more modern than rounded or ornate edges.
Should you reface or replace cabinets in a kitchen update?
If cabinet boxes are structurally sound, refacing with new doors and drawer fronts can save money. For an updated look, replace carved or complex door styles with simple Shaker or slab door fronts. Painting the boxes white also feels fresh.
How do you create an open kitchen floor plan?
Think about sightlines when arranging cabinets, islands and peninsulas. Remove or rearrange anything blocking views and light flow. Extend flooring into surrounding rooms to visually expand the kitchen. An open layout allows for easier hosting and interacting with family while cooking.
What type of lighting works best in a minimalist kitchen?
Use lighting strategically to highlight cooking zones and tasks vs. illuminating everything evenly. Add undercabinet LED strips, pendants above islands, and recessed cans. Avoid overly ornate fixtures. Dimmer switches enable you to control the mood.
Should you use color in a minimalist kitchen?
Absolutely, strategic use of color prevents an all-white kitchen from feeling sterile. Add pops of color with appliances, an accent wall, or colorful cookware on display. Just select one or two bold hues so the palette feels curated but not chaotic.
Conclusion
Simplifying a dated, overdesigned kitchen requires re-evaluating the existing layout and finishes to determine what elements can be removed or modified to create a lighter, brighter, and more functional space. Focusing on clean lines, multipurpose islands, open floor plans, task lighting, and timeless material selections helps modernize a kitchen to suit contemporary lifestyles. The results are airy, uncluttered, and full of refined beauty.
