A family in Raleigh, N.C. contacted locally based Kitchen & Bath Galleries’ Emily Culley and Rachel Roberts to convert their dark kitchen into a modern, light-filled space that capitalized on their lakeside location.
“The clients wanted a more open and inviting feel but improving the kitchen’s functional aspects was also a top priority, as the existing layout did not cater to the clients’ cooking and entertaining style,” explained Culley.
The design duo juxtaposed white, frameless cabinetry – punctuated by crystal knobs – with a glass subway tile backsplash that would better reflect natural light.
Durable cabinetry doors were also crafted with medium-density fiberboard to avoid the expansion joints often visible on painted wood doors.
The range was shifted off of the existing island, which improved the room’s sightline and allowed for the installation of a stainless steel hood. The island was then augmented with a new prep sink.
A new bar area was installed with X-shaped wine racks and a walnut butcher block top that contrasts with the room’s mixed textures and polished surfaces.
The refrigerator’s location was originally a desk area, and making it appear built-in with the existing walls presented an immense challenge to Culley and Roberts, who ultimately blended it in using cabinetry parts and molding pieces.