This active family was more than ready to say goodbye to their builder’s kitchen and hello to a space that actually worked for how they live. The table and chairs were out, island seating was in, and the entire layout got a much-needed rethink. We ditched the inefficient walk-in pantry and replaced it with smart corner solutions and a tall pantry with rollouts, then extended the island to create seating for four and add generous, easy-to-access storage.

Raising the upper cabinets closer to the ceiling drew the eye up and made the room feel taller, while a shiplap ceiling turned an often-forgotten surface into a standout feature and allowed us to layer in better lighting for both the kitchen and family room. Porcelain floor tile was chosen to tie in seamlessly with their powder room makeover in cool greys, blues, and blacks, and a playful backsplash added just the right dose of personality to the clean, neutral palette. The result is a kitchen that feels fresh, functional, and made for real life, and one the family absolutely loves.