When we met Scott and Nancy’s original kitchen, it was full of design problems that made their daily routine frustrating. Their only prep space was in a tight corner between the existing range and sink. Their kitchen table was pushed uncomfortably against the wall. They dreamed of an island, but the space was too small to accommodate it. And saying there wasn’t much storage is an understatement.

As Nancy told me later, I was their first call and “the best call we ever made.” (High praise!) But before we dive into how we solved not just a few, but all of their design dilemmas, let’s meet this wonderful couple.

An Empty Nester’s Renovation

Scott and Nancy are empty nesters who have lived in their home for 17 years. Scott enjoys outdoor activities, and Nancy loves to be at home in her spare time. Although many empty nesters downsize as they approach retirement, Scott and Nancy plan to enjoy their home long into the future. 

With their two boys returning for weekends and holidays, they knew an upgrade would be essential to creating a kitchen where prep, cooking, and gathering would feel comfortable and joyful. That’s when I received their call.

Facing Some Unique Project Challenges

Every renovation has its challenges, but this kitchen had some large obstacles in particular. Our biggest challenge was coming up with a design that would include an additional wall of cabinets, plenty of counter space, seating for dining, and an island, if we could manage it.

What was preventing all of this from happening? Finding the space. 

Luckily, there was some to spare behind the kitchen wall. On the left side was a bedroom closet Scott and Nancy were happy to give up. On the right was a built-in, closet-style pantry. I imagined pushing the entire kitchen wall back into those two spaces to give us an additional 2 feet. Brilliant! I even pulled together the 3D renderings to see what it could look like…

All great ideas, but then… we realized that in between the bedroom closet and pantry was “dead” space. I soon discovered that it included a furnace stack. But could we move it?

My contractor and HVAC guys inspected the space and delivered the news… it could be done! But it would impact the budget. Scott and Nancy assessed their options and decided that moving the wall would be well worth the long-term benefits.

We made it happen, and the result is everything they hoped it would be… and more. Come take a look!

Getting Everything on Their Kitchen Wishlist

Wow! Now, this is a functional and beautiful kitchen. And the best part of this project was that Scott and Nancy got everything they wanted. We tripled their cabinet and counter space, opened up the flow, and gave them a beautiful, updated look that they said feels like a brand new home!

Nancy said, “Sometimes, we can’t believe how amazing everything looks. It’s like a new house. We love it more and more every day! Thank you!”

We knew we wouldn’t have space for an island and a dining table, so I came up with a creative solution — an island that can seat six! This also provided more counter space for prep, additional storage, and seating that isn’t under the cook’s feet. I knew this was an unconventional idea, but when I presented it to Scott and Nancy, they were open to it… as long as the seating was comfortable. Deal.

I customized these Canadian-made upholstered stools from Trica Furniture in cerulean, and they coordinate beautifully with the teal garden door! (These stools also come in hundreds of other fabrics, leathers, and vinyls, as well as 20 different metal colour options. A great choice whenever we need a custom option for a client’s home.)

Fortunately, the combining the dining table and island was a risk that paid off. Now, Nancy says, “The island is my favourite part! I was apprehensive about losing a dining room table, but I love the look and the functionality of it. I don’t miss having a table in the least.”

Behind the island (where we pushed back the wall I mentioned), we have Scott’s favourite part of their new kitchen: a beverage center and floor-to-ceiling cabinetry for 3x the storage they had before. Let’s take a look up close...

Beautiful! The beverage center pops with a textural backsplash tile and cabinets with glass inserts. This area of the kitchen is special and unique, and the addition of a beverage fridge means they don’t have to visit their second fridge in the garage as much. Beauty and functionality, always.

This brings us to the final feature of their kitchen, these beautiful French doors leading out to their deck. This colourful hue, along with the coordinating island chairs, helps pull your eyes to the outdoors. Nancy commented, “It is so nice to stand here and prep on a huge area while looking at the view.” I couldn’t agree more.

Another Successful Kitchen Renovation & Happy Family

I feel so honoured every time I complete a project that a family loves and will enjoy for years to come. This is why I do what I do, and it means so much to me to have our clients’ trust in the place they call home.

If you’re ready for a more functional and beautiful space, I would love to help. Reach out to me here and book a 15-minute chat, and let’s see if we’re a good fit for each other. I can’t wait to meet you.

Warmly,
Adrienne

All photos by Stephanie Moore Photography

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