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Kitchen Design Problems & Creative Remodeling Solutions

Repairs

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With full to the brim lives, it’s easy to grow accustomed to our homes. We have work, kid activities, endless chores, and somehow manage to fit in time with family and friends. We learn to love the homes we have and the way we use our homes becomes routine. It’s not easy to look at the space you’ve been living in with new eyes that can see the potential for an amazing renovation. We hear this from our remodeling clients so often. That’s why our remodeling consultation process hinges on collaborating and interviewing you to see what isn’t working and how we can improve your home together. We do kitchen remodeling in Durham, NC, as well as, kitchen remodeling in Chapel Hill, NC.

To help inspire you to look at your space and see the possibilities, we’re sharing a few of our problem solving renovations. The before and after photos are dramatic, but the biggest change is with the homeowners, who are now THRILLED with their spaces.

There are many milestones in our lives that can benefit from viewing our homes with an improvement eye. From the birth of children or grandchildren, to caring for our parents as they age, to that moment when we suddenly find ourselves with an empty nest; changing our homes to fit our changing lives improves your home’s value and makes it more enjoyable. 

REMODELING A CLOSED OFF KITCHEN

This family had decided to remove their wood stove because they didn’t use it anymore. With the wood stove and wall gone, they could transform their traditional house into a more open layout. With their grandbabies traipsing around, the open-concept was enticing!

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Opening the doorway to the kitchen from the dining room and from the formal living room to the dining room actually helped tie everything into the kitchen. With unique details like a wine bar, wood hood, and under cabinet lighting, they now have a dream kitchen to accommodate their growing family and a wonderful space to entertain their friends.

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LAYOUT OVERHAUL   

This client wanted to open her kitchen up to her family room without the obstruction of her kitchen table between them. Her dining room felt closed off and during gatherings the small doorway to the kitchen was constantly congested. 

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She wanted a bright open area with lots of counter space. We replaced an exterior door with a large sliding patio door adding lots of light. We took into account her sweet dog and had the blinds installed within the glass so the dog can peep out the window to her heart’s content and not break the blinds. 

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We moved appliances and expanded the doorway between the kitchen and dining room to completely open the flow. This mom loves to entertain and cook for friends and family. So a giant island with seating keeps guests close and adds prep area. 

MAKEOVER FOR BUSY FAMILY 

This family has two small boys and their kitchen felt separate from the living areas. Their ideal space would allow them to cook and still be able to interact with the boys as they played in the living room. The home already had a bright breakfast room and formal dining. The owners were concerned that taking the wall down would reduce their storage but we were able to remove the wall and still give them ample storage including a pantry.

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Moving the fridge to the wall next to the pantry allowed more cabinetry to be installed with the sink. Glass front cabinets add beauty and lend to making the room feel open. 

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The cooktop is now in the island with a downdraft and so mom can watch the boys play as she cooks. We also added a wine cooler to the island, seating is there for the boys, and some hidden bonus storage.

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Our kitchen designer, Kelly Bidwell-Bukowski, is a master of problem solving kitchens. She can take into account your space and blend your new space seamlessly with your wants and needs. These dramatic makeovers have created happy clients that can enjoy their homes more.

We hope this has jump started your mind into thinking about what’s possible with your space. Are you ready to make your home into your dream home? Do you have a design question for Kelly? Email her