A Dream Realized: A Montgomery County Kitchen Transformation

Spacious modern kitchen renovation with gray cabinets, white countertops, and a central island with two dark chairs. A backsplash with shades of gray and blue complements the decor. Large windows provide ample natural light, and various kitchen items adorn the countertops.

The Need for Change

When Joe and Lori decided to upgrade their kitchen in their Montgomery County colonial, they were eager to create a space that matched their needs and lifestyle. The original kitchen was a far cry from what they envisioned—it was dark, cramped, and lacked the functionality they craved.

 

A kitchen with wooden cabinets, a black refrigerator, white dishwasher, microwave, and various items on the countertops. A dining table with chairs is in the center, holding papers and a few other objects. A floral valance is above the windows, and the word "Before" is in the top left corner, highlighting this space as ripe for kitchen renovation.

Identifying the Challenges

During our initial consultation process, they shared their frustrations: a cramped sink area, dishwasher location, minimal counter space around the wall ovens and range, and outdated Corian countertops paired with old wood cabinets that offered little in the way of storage. To top it off, the kitchen’s lone light fixture hung awkwardly above the table, casting a dim light over the space. With a tiny wall housing their microwave, stovetop, wall ovens, and refrigerator, it was clear this kitchen needed a significant transformation to become the spacious, stylish, and functional hub the couple desired.

A Strategic Redesign

One of the biggest challenges was the placement of the dishwasher, which was inconveniently located far from the sink, at the end of a stretch of cabinetry. The original floor plan lacked functionality and offered very little to the flow of the space for ease of cooking and entertaining.

Floor plans of this Montgomery County kitchen before the renovation.
Floor plans of the original kitchen.

Joe and Lori wanted a new floor plan that would allow more than one person to comfortably work in the kitchen, especially when entertaining guests. 

Floor plans of the kitchen proposing the new layout.
Floor plans of the kitchen with the new layout.

Our design team saw an opportunity to drastically improve the kitchen’s layout by making a few strategic changes: relocating the refrigerator and wall ovens, creating an appealing focal point, moving the dishwasher closer to the sink, and adding a functional island. And by moving the doorway that connects the kitchen to the dining room by just 10 inches, we unlocked the potential to completely transform the space. 

A 3D rendering of a modern kitchen renovation features gray cabinets, a white marble countertop island, stainless steel double ovens, and a cooktop.
3D Rendering of Joe and Lori’s kitchen.

We expertly transformed Joe and Lori’s initial floor plans into highly detailed 3D renderings, allowing them to see their dream kitchen come to life before any construction began. These realistic visuals provided a clear representation of how we addressed every challenge, ensuring that their vision was perfectly captured. Thanks to our team’s expertise, Joe and Lori could confidently visualize their new space, knowing exactly what to expect long before the first hammer was lifted.

Creating a New Focal Point

A modern kitchen renovation with light grey cabinets, white countertops, and a tiled backsplash. An island with wine and oil bottles, accompanied by two black chairs, is central. Large windows offer a view of greenery outside. "After" is written in the upper left corner.

Moving the refrigerator and wall ovens to the opposite wall gave us the chance to create a stunning focal point with a custom wood range hood above the new stove, complete with a ledge for displaying the couple’s cherished stoneware. 

A recent kitchen renovation showcases gray cabinetry, a white countertop, and a backsplash with gray and blue tiles. Decorative plates are displayed in a wooden compartment above the stove. The background reveals a dining area with red wallpaper and wooden flooring.

This not only freed up space but also allowed for a more efficient and aesthetic arrangement.

A modern kitchen renovation features light grey cabinetry, a double wall oven, and a stainless steel refrigerator. A bright window reflected in the oven door adds natural light, and a white countertop is partially visible in front. Framed artwork hangs on the wall in the background.

We relocated the dishwasher next to the sink, making it much more convenient for clean-up. With these changes, counter space became easily accessible from both the sink and range, a crucial improvement for a kitchen meant for both cooking and gathering.

Modern kitchen renovation with light gray cabinets, white countertops, and stainless-steel appliances including a dishwasher. The island has a white countertop with dark wooden stools. The backsplash features blue and gray tiles, and the floor is wood. A window brings in natural light.

A Functional and Stylish Space

A modern kitchen renovation with light gray cabinets and a matching island. The countertop is white, and the backsplash consists of blue-gray tiles. Two black barstools are placed at the island. The kitchen features hardwood flooring and a few decorative items.

We introduced a small, functional island that comfortably seats two, but with a few extra barstools, it can accommodate up to four people for an informal dinner. The trade-off of losing a large in-kitchen dining table was more than worth it, as the modernized layout now offers a more functional and open workspace. When their adult children are home for family dinners, Joe and Lori make great use of their dining room, which is just steps away.

Design Details That Shine

A modern kitchen sink with a tall, curved faucet set in a sleek white countertop. Next to the sink, there's a decorative bowl holding red apples on a wooden cutting board with gold handles. A white towel is placed on the cutting board. The backsplash features blue and gray tiles, perfect for any kitchen renovation.

Joe and Lori opted for a single-bowl stainless steel sink with a disposal button, making the kitchen both convenient and sleek. 

A kitchen counter, fresh from a recent renovation, features a decorative bowl with red pomegranates set against a patterned blue, gray, and brown tile backsplash. Nearby, a mortar and pestle sit on a wooden tray alongside a bottle of olive oil.

They carefully selected cabinetry and a backsplash that would create a soft, neutral backdrop for their blue stoneware collection.

A modern kitchen renovation with light gray cabinets and white marble countertops. The backsplash features rectangular blue-gray tiles. Sunlight streams through the large windows, offering a view of greenery outside. Decorative pitchers are thoughtfully placed on the counter.

The taupe-stained wood cabinets add a touch of warmth, while the blue-shaded tile provides a subtle but striking pop of color. Recessed lighting and a neutral paint palette enhance the bright and airy atmosphere of the new kitchen. The removal of the soffits allowed us to extend the cabinets to the ceiling, maximizing storage space, and giving the kitchen a more polished look. 

A modern kitchen renovation with taupe cabinetry, white quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances. A center island with a white countertop and two chairs provides seating. The backsplash is made of blue-gray tiles, and the floor features medium-tone wood planks.

Finally, luxury vinyl flooring in a complementary tone replaced the outdated tile, adding durability and style.

A Space to Enjoy

The result is a kitchen that Joe and Lori can truly enjoy—a space where they can entertain friends and family without feeling cramped or confined. The kitchen, now the true heart of their home, is bright, open, and perfectly suited to their lifestyle.

Ready to Transform Your Kitchen?

Are you ready to transform your outdated kitchen into a space that reflects your vision and meets your needs? At Creative Contracting, we’re here to help you bring your dream kitchen to life. Contact us today to discuss your remodeling options and discover how we can turn your home into the perfect setting for your life.