Kitchens & Baths 2.0
Find inspiration in these noteworthy remodel projects by Arlene Williams Kitchen Design
Story by Michael Neiderer + After Photos by Photography by anne
Walking into a home that is current, on point with design trends and surrounded with beautiful things is well, a beautiful thing. It’s what we aspire to, but the reality might often be different. As those of us fortunate enough to own Lowcountry homes know, a lot are older, or have become visually tired.
While new construction is still booming, many of the homes we live in or are looking to purchase were built decades ago. Design trends and colors change frequently and it’s not uncommon to have a bathroom with peach tile and matching fixtures or a kitchen that is lacking in light and functionality, complete with appliances that look original to the home, which is 25 years old. So, the question becomes how am I going to live with this? And, do I have to live with this?
[blockquote position=”right”]Whether you are raising a family, an empty-nester or find yourself approaching or in retirement, updating your kitchen and baths will give your home a sense of beauty that will instill pride.[/blockquote]
Thankfully, there are so many benefits to upgrading and updating a kitchen or bath that make it a smart investment. Certainly, resale is an important reason to upgrade, but also to add comfort and enjoyment to how you live in your home is a very important reason. It’s been said the kitchen is the heart of a home. It’s the gathering place. Just have a small party and you will experience the joy or frustration of everyone converging in your kitchen.
Whether you are raising a family, an empty-nester or find yourself approaching or in retirement, updating your kitchen and baths will give your home a sense of beauty that will instill pride. Even if you have a home that is used for rental purposes, a new kitchen and baths can help to demand a higher rent because they are so sought after.
The process is not without expense and planning. That’s why taking the right steps and assembling a team that includes a kitchen designer and builder ensures your space works perfectly for you.
Arlene Williams, owner and lead designer for Arlene Williams Kitchen Design, shared some of her most recent projects. Williams has been in the kitchen design business for more than 20 years working with residential and commercial clients on Hilton Head Island, throughout Beaufort County and beyond.
Take a look at these amazing transformations and see if they don’t inspire you to take the plunge.
Project 1:
Palmetto Dunes
Arlene Williams Kitchen Design, Kelly Caron Designs and Element Construction
The Challenge:
Update an extremely dated kitchen with limited work space. Update and reconfigure the bar area to make it more welcoming.
Before:
Two louvered doors hid the laundry and pantry. This was an impediment to the flow of the overall kitchen. Limited counter space due to built-in wall ovens, laundry, pantry and bar area. Kitchen was “clunky” and did not project a clean and approachable feel.
After:
Removed wall that housed laundry and pantry; both were relocated to improve space and flow. Work surface now wraps around entire kitchen area, giving a continuous flow to the area. Stove was relocated from the island to become central feature of the kitchen. Paneled refrigerator adds to the fresh, new look and a smaller wet bar was incorporated for entertaining. Brightness and light envelop the space giving it a fresh and clean appearance.
Project 2:
Palmetto Dunes
Arlene Williams Kitchen Design, Kelly Caron Designs and Element Construction
The Challenge:
Update the bathroom around the focal point of the room, a stained glass window. Curved walls and other spatial issues resulted in reconfiguring the layout of the bath.
Before:
Many aesthetic choices that scream 1980: Green marble tub, all glass mirror and narrow stall shower. Spatial issues and a lack of light made the shower and toilet areas awkward and unappealing.
After:
Keeping the stained glass drove the design so the fabulous new tub became a feature of the bathroom. Curved walls were removed to enhance flow and let light into areas previously without. Space was completely updated to provide a current/fresh look. Relocating the shower and adding a linen cabinet gives added function.
Get the look
Ready to make the remodel plunge?
Here are a few suggestions from Arlene Williams Kitchen Design.
(click on gallery thumbnails for larger photo)
Tile comes in colors, shapes and textures to suit any space and any taste. Stone Impressions available at Savannah Surfaces.
The detail on this hardware is the perfect transitional look for your space. Podium pull hardware available at Bird Decorative Hardware.
This door style is a tailored and sophisticated take on the traditional shaker door and will give a fresh look to your kitchen or bath. Available at Arlene Williams Kitchen Design.
Available at Sherwin Williams.
This shade of navy blue is crisp and pairs especially well with fresh greens. Available at Sherwin Williams.
Project 3:
Colleton River
Arlene Williams Kitchen Design, Kelly Caron Designs and Element Construction
The Challenge:
Upgrading the kitchen while keeping the overall footprint.
Before:
Dark cherry cabinetry gives a heavy look and feel to the kitchen. Black granite and corbels with decorative wood appliqués only add to the need for a refreshed look.
After:
Beyond a basic upgrade; this is a complete transformation featuring clean, sleek cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and a bright and coveted backsplash. A paneled refrigerator, quartz countertop and a pull-out pantry to maximize storage are just a few of the upgrades. Note the countertop has a waterfall finish on one side, giving it a very upscale look. Range was appropriately centered so the kitchen has a sense of complete symmetry. Lit cabinets allowing the homeowner to showcase decorative items and pendants above the island complete the wow factor.
Project 4:
Wexford
Arlene Williams Kitchen Design, Kelly Caron Designs and Cambridge Construction
The Challenge:
Visual challenges abound with dated soffits and an octagonal island and light fixture. Improve function for busy family.
Before:
Dark cherry kitchen with a decorative island. Appliances are matching wood paneled, but are very dated. Overall presentation feels anything but current or on trend.
After:
Island is completely transformed to be the focal point and also now functional for seating. Stunning 48-inch range becomes the feature appliance along with a full custom hood. Part of a wall was removed providing additional space for a pantry and open access to the family room. Lit transoms, crown molding to the ceiling and a paneled refrigerator complete the finished look.
Final thought
Keep in mind that budget and planning play into all of the above. As Williams says, ”Everyone deserves a nice space. My focus is to help my clients find the best design, best cabinet line and best pricing for their budget.”
Making the process fun and enjoyable is a final bonus. After all, selecting gorgeous cabinetry, countertops, appliances and finishes should inspire a sense of enjoyment. Williams sums the process up by saying, “The highest compliment I can ever receive is to hear a client say ‘…it’s just perfect, it’s exactly what I envisioned. You paid attention and we got there.’”
