Large Kitchen Remodel 

Maclay Gardens, Tallahassee

The client wanted to expand the kitchen and make it a family gathering spot without compromising an updated and sleek feel.

The project took 8 weeks to complete – one week ahead of schedule.

In Their Words

“The china cabinet looks sooo good! I’m so happy with the design!!!! The hood is beautiful!!! Can’t believe it’s the same space. I’m really happy I changed the island like you all suggested. Cecil is amazing, his attention to detail really makes the cabinets look great” 

Read the full review and other reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Large Kitchen Remodel Before / After

Drag the slider to see this project transformation!

The island cooktop was inconvenient and the downdraft hood did not provide good ventiallation. Moving the fridge to make room for the range and large wall hood made a big difference. 

Large Kitchen Remodel Project Summary:

This was a large kitchen remodel where the layout stayed mostly the same. We did make some key changes that helped with the workflow.

The decision to go all white was intentional. Partly because the previous kitchen was so dark but also because the client wanted the kitchen to be a neutral backdrop and not a focal point. 

The details in the kitchen are subtle but important. The cremone hardware on the display cabinet, the ‘secret’ seating area for the cook… every detail was thought through and personalzied for the client. 

What was done

• • We moved the fridge to create room for a range on the side wall… creating a much better work area and allowing for more seating and storage at the island.
• • The upper cabinets now go to the ceiling for more built in look and we added a large display cabinet on the back wall with beautiful cremone hardware.
• • All the storage was carefull through through and customize to meet the needs of this large family.

Project Challenges

• • A leaky water filter caused hidden flooring damage
• • Moving a 600 pound range in to place without scratching floors
• • Stubborn swirlmarks in the countertop
• • Complicated crown molding above the cabinets

Project Challenges & Solutions

We spend a lot of time in design and planning so we avoid any surprises. But remodeling is unpredicatble and a few things tend to pop up.

Challenge 1: A leaky Water Filter

Unfortunately the slow leak had caused quite a bit of floor damaged that went unnoticed for years.

Their water heater was also on it’s last legs and had to be replaced.

Solution:

The previous builder had run the plumbing for the sink under the cabinets instead of in the wall so our cabinets had to be modified to make that work.

The damage to floors done by years of a slow leak, combined with the lack of flooring under the island cause lead us to deciding to just replace all the flooring in the ktichen rather than patch it.

This was a significant change order the for the client but it was the right thing to do.

Challenge 2: Heavy Range

We had the appliance company deliver and install the appliances. The heavy built in fridge was not an issue but the range proved more difficult.

We ask the appliance company in advance if they had the correct tools to slide the range in place and they assured us they did. However they did not.

Solution:

We went back and forth with the appliance company a few times but finally just purchased an ‘air sled’ ourselves so we could slide the range into place. We already owned an air sled but needed a larger one for this particular range. 

Challenge 3: Countertop swirl

The client choose a countertop brand called MSI, which we do not recommend due to their quality control issues.

The countertops were beautiful but there was a persistant swirl in the island that could be seen from certain angles.

Our installer tried to polish it out but was not successful.

Solution:

We called Jeremy from Stone Savers, who we had used before to bring an old marble top back to life, and he was able to remove the swirl. 

Video: Large Kitchen Before and After

Project Timeline

Proposed Completion Date: April 22, 2025
Actual Completion Date: April 16th, 2025

Total project length was 9 weeks

The project finished a week ahead of schedule. 

We haven’t missed a start date in 10 years. That’s due to our careuful planning, experienced team, detailed project schedules and because we order all your materials in advance.

Finishing on time is more of a challenge. Weather delays, schedule conflict with sub contractors and jobsite issues can cause small delays in any project.

This project finished a week early, even with the flooring change order and extra plumbing work. 

Our Favorite Things

Every project has a few things that really make it stand our or were special to the homeowner. Here are our favorites.

Display cabinet with brass cremone hardware

Large Island with lots of seating

Highlight Reel

A quick video overview of the details in this large kitchen remodel. 

Moving the range made a big difference in the layout

Video Summary of Project

Before & After Photos

Before

During

After

Final Thought About This Project

We loved working on this project! The homeowners were a pleasure to work with and always had kind words for the team. We did run into a few challenges but they were always patient and understanding.

All white kitchens have been popular for some time and a lot of deisgners are saying the trend is ‘over’. We care a lot less about trends than we do designing spaces that our clients love.

In this case the all white kitchen was what was needed. Because the kitchen is open to the living are the client did not want any color or dramatic tile that would be a distraction from the living room decor.

They also wanted a clean bright space that would allow her to show off items in her glass cabinets without fighting the kitchen decor.

What we did focus on was customizing the storage a workflow for thier needs. We mapped her storage needs, discussed what kind of cooking she liked and what the daily routines of the family were.

The end result it a kitchen that is perfect for them. And that’s what matters most.