When our clients approached us, they had a clear vision: to transform their dark and dated kitchen into a space that felt lighter, more functional, and reflective of their lifestyle.
The original layout was weighed down by dark finishes, red accent tiles, and a palette that felt heavy and enclosed. Circulation was tight, particularly between the kitchen island and the nearby bar, making daily routines feel more burdensome than they needed to be. What they wanted instead was a space that felt calm, cohesive, and considered. Timeless and elevated, yet still flowing effortlessly with the rest of the home.
Here’s how we brought that vision to life.
Biggest Transformation Moment
The most dramatic shift was the feeling of lightness. By removing the heavy accent tiles and repainting the walls in soft, tonal hues, the kitchen immediately felt calmer and more open.
Warm oak cabinetry and creamy leathered Taj Mahal quartzite became the foundation of the new palette—bringing softness, natural depth, and visual continuity. We echoed this same material story in the lower-level bar, replacing the red-accent wall tiles with quartzite backsplash and repainting the walls to mirror the palette upstairs. Now, both spaces feel seamlessly connected.
Equally impactful was the improved flow. By eliminating the raised bar and reducing the oversized seating side storage, we were able to achieve a more comfortable circulation path between the kitchen and bar. The layout remained largely the same, but these subtle shifts made the space feel noticeably more relaxed and intuitive to use.
Key Design Decision
This renovation was guided by restraint, refinement, and how the family lives in their home day to day. The house itself is contemporary and casual, so we focused on matte surfaces, natural textures, and a calm palette that would wear beautifully over time.
Cabinetry: Custom oak millwork adds warmth and organic texture without overpowering the space. Its timeless tone anchors the design and adds richness to the lighter palette.
Countertops & Backsplash: Leathered Taj Mahal quartzite provides softness and understated veining with a luxurious, matte finish. A horizontally stacked, textured ivory tile was selected for the backsplash, adding visual depth while maintaining a calm presence.
Custom Vent Hood: The hood’s shape was selected to balance a large window to the left, and its color was chosen to harmonize with the tile rather than compete with it, blending seamlessly into the overall palette.
Lighting: We relocated and upgraded the task and ambient lighting to enhance functionality and brightness throughout the day.
Material Continuity: Using the same quartzite in both the kitchen and bar helped create a strong visual connection without feeling overly matched.
Our Favorite Custom Feature
One of our favorite moments in this kitchen is the cross-grain joinery we incorporated in the upper cabinets. It allowed us to maintain full functionality while concealing the built-in fridge within the surrounding millwork. This detail elevates the cabinetry and reflects the balance we aimed for throughout: thoughtful design that supports both form and function.
Form Meets Function
One of the primary challenges in the original kitchen was the bottleneck created by the proximity between the island and bar. While the footprint remained similar, we shrunk the hard-to-access under-counter storage to improve flow, clarify work zones, and create more breathing room.
At the bar, we reconfigured cabinetry to include bi-fold doors, ensuring no functional space was lost while keeping the visual impact minimal.
Storage throughout the kitchen was also carefully reconsidered. With tailored cabinetry and strategic planning, the family now has a place for everything. This makes it easier to maintain clean, clutter-free surfaces while keeping the rhythm of daily life intact.
An Elevated, Everyday Space
This project wasn’t about a full reinvention. It was about refining what was already there—introducing natural materials, better flow, and a calm palette to support the rhythm of daily life. The result is a home that supports daily rituals and special moments alike. A space that feels elevated, yet made to be lived in.
portfolio page: timber ridge kitchen renovation project
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