Introduction
Kitchen remodels can be daunting, but with smart storage solutions and natural light, even the darkest and most cluttered kitchens can be transformed into bright and beautiful spaces. This article will explore how proper storage and sunlight can banish the monsters that lurk in outdated and disorganized kitchens, using a recent remodel in Kansas as a case study. We’ll look at the challenges posed by the original space, the solutions implemented, and the stunning “after” results. With some strategic design decisions and elbow grease, you too can scare away the monsters and create a kitchen that delights.
Evaluating the Original Kitchen
When the homeowners purchased their 1920s Kansas farmhouse, the kitchen was sorely in need of updating. The space featured dated cabinets, limited counter space, poor lighting, and no relationship with the surrounding landscape. Sharp corners and clutter created a maze-like effect rather than an open and inviting kitchen.
Some of the specific issues included:
- Outdated oak cabinets with broken hinges and chipped paint
- Minimal natural light from a small window over the sink
- Poor task lighting with a single ceiling fixture
- Harvest gold laminate countertops and backsplash
- Vinyl flooring with visible wear and tears
- A peninsula that blocked views and traffic flow
- Cabinets installed to the ceiling, making the space feel closed in
Clearly this Kansas kitchen had great bones but needed some monster-fighting upgrades to improve storage, lighting, layout, and style.
Implementing Smart Storage Solutions
To create a more spacious and organized kitchen, the first strategy was enhancing the storage. The original kitchen lacked sufficient or smart cabinetry and drawer space. New custom maple cabinets were installed with features like:
- Roll-out trays in base cabinets for easy access
- Deep drawers to hold cooking utensils
- Pull-out spice racks to avoid a cluttered mess
- Glass-front upper cabinets to display serveware
- A built-in pantry with adjustable shelves
- Slide-out trash and recycling bins hidden behind a cabinet door
In addition to the new cabinetry, the peninsula was rebuilt to incorporate open shelving and cubbies for frequently-used items like cookbooks. The new storage solutions helped organize essentials and ensure everything had a designated home.
Letting in Abundant Natural Light
The original kitchen only had one small window above the sink, limiting natural light. To remedy this, several steps were taken:
- A larger window was installed over the sink to connect with the backyard garden
- The wall separating the kitchen and dining room was partially removed to improve sightlines and daylighting
- Glass cabinet doors on the upper cabinets helped light filter through
- A skylight was added to shower the workspace with direct sunlight
The finished kitchen is filled with sunshine from morning to evening. The natural light helps the space feel open, airy, and energized.
Key Elements of the Kitchen Remodel
In addition to storage and lighting, the major components of the remodel included:
- Quartz countertops in a neutral white and gray vein pattern
- White shaker-style cabinets with modern chrome pulls
- Subway tile backsplash and wood-look porcelain tile flooring
- Stainless steel appliances including a gas range and French door refrigerator
- An apron-front farmhouse sink and gooseneck faucet
- Pendant lights over the peninsula for task lighting
- An enlarged window above the sink overlooking the backyard
- Knocking down walls to improve flow and sightlines
By implementing solutions tailored specifically for the homeowners’ needs and lifestyle, the new kitchen truly exemplifies form and function.
The Transformative Power of Storage and Sunshine
The transformation is truly amazing. The new kitchen is characterized by:
- Plentiful natural light streaming in through enlarged windows
- An open, uncluttered layout with easy traffic flow
- Custom cabinetry housing everything in its place
- Quartz counters and backsplash providing a fresh yet timeless look
- A peninsula allowing for additional workspace and seating
- Pendant lighting illuminating tasks without glare
- A connection to the outdoors through garden views
Overall, the strategic use of storage and sunshine in this Kansas remodel took a cramped and dated kitchen and turned it into a gorgeous and functional heart of the home. The thoughtful layout and abundant natural light make this kitchen feel spacious, inviting, and filled with potential. It’s a classic example of how proper organization and sunlight can scare away the monsters and create an inspiring space for gathering, cooking, and making memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some key elements of a kitchen remodel that enhances storage?
Some important storage solutions to consider include roll-out trays and deep drawers for base cabinets, pull-out spice racks, glass-front uppers to display items, built-in pantries with adjustable shelves, and slide-out bins for trash/recycling. Open shelving, cubbies, and peninsulas can also provide storage and easy access to cooking essentials.
How can natural light be increased in a dark, dated kitchen?
Strategies like installing skylights, enlarging windows, incorporating glass cabinet doors, opening sightlines to adjacent rooms, and removing unnecessary walls can help maximize natural light. Consider sunlight at different times of day.
What finishing touches can give a kitchen a cohesive updated look?
Details like pendant lighting over workspaces, quartz countertops, subway tile backsplash, and hardware like chrome pulls and gooseneck faucets can give a kitchen a stylish, modern feel. Appliances like a gas range and French door refrigerator also contribute to an updated aesthetic.
How much does a major kitchen remodel cost on average?
According to HomeAdvisor, the average national cost for a major kitchen remodel is around $22,500, but can range anywhere from $13,000 – $35,000 depending on finishes, the scope of work, and location. Key factors are cabinetry, countertops, flooring, appliances, and layout changes.
What should you look for when hiring a contractor for your kitchen remodel?
Ensure they have experience with kitchen remodels specifically, ask for examples of past work, request references, ensure they are properly licensed and insured, understand how they structure payments, and clarify the scope of work and timeline in a contract. Communication is key.
Conclusion
With smart storage solutions and abundant natural light, this Kansas farmhouse kitchen went from outdated and cluttered to stunning and serene. The homeowners made savvy design choices such as custom cabinetry, enlarged windows, pendant task lighting, and creating open sightlines. Their kitchen is now a highly functional and beautiful space for cooking, unwinding, and making memories for years to come. The strategic use of organization and sunlight scared away the monsters and created a magnificent heart of the home.
