Modern Farmhouse Kitchen: Before and After

Who doesn’t love a great before and after interior design transformation? If you're like me, you'll agree the best renovation projects are those that show significant change and transform both the function and aesthetic of a space. I love to solve a design problem and develop a creative response to the existing conditions and the client's design goals.

If you’ve been dreaming of a new and improved kitchen, this blog post will show you just how transformative a renovation can be!

The Project

This kitchen renovation was one of those dream projects where substantial changes were required—and welcomed! The clients knew they wanted to completely overhaul their kitchen but didn’t quite know where to begin or how to get there. That’s where McCarthy Design Studio came in!

To set the stage, the image below shows what we started with…

The clients described their kitchen as dark and cramped. Do you agree?

The existing kitchen was outdated and lacked adequate storage and prep space. Moreover, the placement of appliances and fixtures created congested work zones. To make matters worse, the entry to the garage and one of two staircases leading to the basement were taking up significant kitchen real estate.

In addition to requiring more storage in the kitchen, the clients also needed storage for oversized items, coats, and boots, and a contained area for their dogs to be home alone.

A second set of stairs took up prime kitchen real estate.

The Solution

You may be wondering how we get from A to B in our designs. Well, I’m glad you asked! As I mentioned earlier, this is a part of my job that I absolutely love—taking a space, solving its problems, and completely transforming it to meet the client’s needs.

The design process at McCarthy Design Studio always begins with a thorough assessment of the space and the client’s unique needs and lifestyle. During the assessment process for this kitchen project, we discovered many existing conditions, some that could be changed, and some that could not.

The house had two sets of stairs leading to the basement, one from the garage and one from the kitchen. By removing the basement stairs in the kitchen, we gained much needed space in that area for a large pantry and small appliance storage.

Next we moved the entry to the garage and added a mudroom in an unused portion of the garage. This served to cohesively join the main living areas of the home to the basement, mudroom, and garage. The new mudroom also created ample space for storage and a cozy and safe space for the two dogs when they are home alone.

We gained space by relocating the mudroom and kitchen entrance (left) and by removing an unnecessary set of stairs (right).

Selecting the Best Design

When you hire a designer, you want to trust them to guide you through the design process with knowledge and expertise and help you find the best design solutions for your lifestyle.

As part of the design process at McCarthy Design Studio, I typically present the three best design options to the client. We have an extensive discussion about the pros and cons of each option, and I encourage clients to imagine themselves in these spaces. We then select the best option, which may be one plan or a combination of features from all the plans presented.

For this modern farmhouse kitchen project, the clients chose the floor plan shown below right—my top choice too! This layout tackled all the existing challenges while creating an ultra-functional and aesthetically pleasing kitchen with ample storage and ease of use.

Finishes and Fixtures

With the new floor plan confirmed, the selection of fixtures and finishes follows a similar process of presenting options that blend the client’s desires with design expertise. The previous kitchen had dark wood cabinets and black appliances, so the client was certain she wanted a lighter, brighter space.

From a dark, cramped corner of the home...

We explored several light-colored cabinetry options, but in the end, the client was drawn to the timeless appeal of classic white shaker-style cabinetry. The result is a complete transformation from an outdated, cramped kitchen to a spacious, classic culinary haven.

...to an open and welcoming hub of the home.

Renovating a kitchen can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance, the result can be a stunning space that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also improves the overall functionality of your home.

One final fabulous view!

Ready to Transform Your Kitchen?

We’d love to be part of your next project! Take the first step towards recreating your space by booking a consultation today.

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