At MLW All Phase Construction & Roofing, we believe the best renovations don’t just make a home look better — they make it function better for the way families live today. This recent kitchen renovation was the perfect example of blending thoughtful design, craftsmanship, and creativity while still honoring the original character of the home.
Reworking the Original Layout
The kitchen itself was largely original to the home, with the biggest prior update being the cabinets painted white years ago from their original cherry finish. While the kitchen had good bones, the layout felt closed off due to two opposing 22½-degree angled walls that interrupted the flow of the space.
To create a more open and functional layout, those angled walls were removed and squared off entirely. One side of the kitchen included a storage cabinet that was eliminated to gain additional square footage and improve the overall feel of the room. By removing these awkward transitions, the kitchen immediately felt larger, cleaner, and more connected to the surrounding living spaces.
Creative Problem Solving Behind the Walls
Like many remodels in older homes, opening walls revealed a few challenges that required custom solutions.
One of the angled walls housed the original vent pipe for the range hood. Instead of compromising the new layout, the venting was relocated behind the wall and routed above the existing laundry room cabinetry nearby. That entire area was then professionally framed, drywalled, and trimmed to appear completely original to the home — a seamless finish that looks like it had always been there.
Another obstacle came from the original HVAC register located in the peninsula near the dining area. To maintain proper airflow without disrupting the new cabinetry layout, the HVAC was rerouted beneath the subfloor and redirected into a cabinet along the exterior wall.
These are the kinds of details that often go unnoticed when finished — but they make all the difference in creating a polished final product.
Preserving the Character of the Home
One of the primary goals of this renovation was to modernize the kitchen without losing the home’s original charm.
All original trim details throughout the kitchen were preserved, helping maintain the architectural integrity of the space. To further tie the design together, the cabinet maker incorporated a stain-grade version of the home’s original trim package across the tops of the cabinets. This detail beautifully complements the painted trim throughout the kitchen and gives the cabinetry a custom, built-in appearance.
The existing hardwood floors were also refinished, bringing warmth and continuity back into the newly redesigned space.
Updated Lighting and Functional Improvements
Lighting upgrades played a major role in transforming the overall atmosphere of the kitchen. Updated fixtures provided a brighter, more modern feel while under-cabinet lighting added both functionality and ambiance for everyday use.
Another major improvement came at the kitchen sink. The original window was removed and replaced with a new Pella casement window, painted to perfectly match the home’s existing trim package. The new window not only improved the appearance of the kitchen but also enhanced natural light and functionality.
A Cohesive Stone Feature Throughout
The selected countertop stone became one of the defining design elements of the renovation. Instead of limiting the material to the countertops alone, the same stone was extended vertically as a full backsplash anywhere upper cabinets were installed.
The backsplash was also carried around the sink window between the upper cabinetry, creating a seamless, high-end appearance that tied the entire kitchen together beautifully.
Reusing Quality Appliances
Not every renovation requires replacing everything. Since the homeowners had recently purchased their kitchen appliances, the design was intentionally built around reusing the existing appliances. This allowed the project to maximize the renovation budget while still delivering a completely transformed kitchen.
The Final Result
What was once a closed-off kitchen with awkward angles and dated functionality is now an open, timeless, and highly functional centerpiece of the home. By combining custom craftsmanship, smart problem solving, and intentional design choices, this renovation preserved the home’s original character while dramatically improving how the space lives and feels every day.
Whether it’s structural changes, custom finishes, or finding creative solutions behind the scenes, MLW All Phase Construction & Roofing specializes in renovations that balance beauty, function, and craftsmanship.
If you’re considering a kitchen renovation, contact our team today to discuss how we can bring your vision to life.