Come along with us as we explore kitchen renovations, big and small, showcasing the best of cottage charm.
From Mixed Up to Modern Cottage
A combination of charming original features and new design elements creates the perfect balance of old and new in this 1956 Midtown Memphis kitchen refresh.
Design: Tara Felice Interiors
Photography: Sarah Voigt
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
About the Project: When the busy family of four reached out to Tara Felice Interiors for a kitchen remodel, their goal was to create a space that was functional, stylish and preserved the best aspects of the home’s historical features. “The original kitchen was a confusing mix of different wood species, finishes and countertops, making it feel disjointed,” Tara Engelberg says. The kitchen island received a total revamp, transforming it from small and lacking adequate storage and prep space to a larger centerpiece. Paint, counters and lighting all received a much-needed update that blend cottage charm and elegance with modern functionality.
Biggest Challenge: Selecting elements to enhance the space functionally while keeping a timeless and lived-in feel was important to the homeowners and presented an opportunity for Tara’s creativity to take over. She carefully chose soapstone counters to replace the original black leathered granite and stainless steel—a return to the home’s historic feel without sacrificing practicality. Tiles are another main element in the design. “The Ann Sacks ceramic tile, installed in a classic checkerboard pattern, became the room’s focal point, elevating the space with its vintage-inspired look,” Tara says.
Editor’s Note: The pop of brick red in the floor tile and upper cabinets gives the space character and a touch of fun. We love the thoughtful vintage-feeling elements, like the elegant bell pendant lights above the island as well as the show-stealing checkerboard floor.
Interested? Contact
tara@tarafeliceinteriors.com and @tarafeliceinteriors on Instagram.
Wide Open View
A revised kitchen layout wasn’t the only big change in this renovation project.
Design: Michael Sauri, founder & president, TriVistaUSA Design + Build
Photography: Nova Soul Imagery
Styling: MoKi Media Moeller
Location: Arlington, Virginia
About the Project: This new build needed a revision to allow for an open flow between the main living spaces on the first level of the home. The young family of five (and a puppy) desired “a bright and open home” that would be perfect for entertaining family and friends with children and allowing them all to be in one space. “We opened the first level so that the front rooms of the home (dining room and living room) have a better connection with the rear rooms (family room and kitchen),” says Michael Sauri, founder and president of TriVistaUSA Design + Build.
Biggest Challenge: The original layout of the home was not conducive to an open plan. “We had to substantially revise the house’s structure in order to relocate the kitchen and powder room to make the clients’ dream a reality,” Michael says. In the kitchen, the creation of a large island with seating and prep space as well as a clear view of the entire first floor was the perfect functional solution.
Editor’s Note: Though subtle and seamlessly blended underneath the upper cabinetry, the oblong backsplash is a lovely detail that complements the rest of the space’s timeless design elements.
Interested? Contact
info@trivistausa.com or 703.243.3171 or trivistausa.com.
Bringing Balance
This historic bungalow’s kitchen was in need of a revamp that honored the past while bringing it up to the present.
Design: Michael Winn, founder & president, WINN Design + Build
Photography: Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Styling: MoKi Media Moeller
Location: Bethesda, Maryland
About the Project: Built in 1927, this home held a lot of history and a lot of potential. The homeowners reached out to WINN Design + Build for a remodel that would work best with their family. “The family’s primary need was to reimagine the kitchen as the functional heart of the home,” says Michael Winn, founder and president. “We focused on creating a space that was both modern and sympathetic to the original design.” By blending timeless elements like custom ivory cabinetry, honed marble countertops and refinished hardwood flooring alongside a modern layout, appliances and functional storage, the team at WINN Design + Build created a space both practical and elegant.
Biggest Challenge: “One of the primary challenges was preserving the integrity of the original 1927 structure while seamlessly integrating modern enhancements,” Michael says. “This required a delicate balance, ensuring that each aspect of the renovation complemented the historical essence of the bungalow.” A fresh coat of paint, marble backsplash and refreshed lighting fixtures feel Old World while also breathing new life into the space.
Editor’s Note: We love how unique and vintage the light fixtures look and feel while at the same time maintaining a contemporary edge. The marble backsplash is a sophisticated touch and adds texture against the primarily white and ivory palette.
Interested? Contact
info@winndesign.com, 703.876.9696 or winndesign.com.
Swedish Cottage
An expanded footprint and thoughtful, simple details restored functionality and style to this cozy kitchen.
Design: Nadia Subaran, principal & senior designer, Kelly Emerson, senior designer, Aidan Design
Photography: Robert Radifera
Location: Washington, D.C.
About the Project: The homeowners wanted to expand the square footage of their kitchen without cutting into the dining room, so they called Nadia Subaran and Kelly Emerson at Aidan Design to help them realize their design goals. “The couple needed much more storage and counterspace,” Nadia says. “They liked simple Swedish modern design elements.” “And color,” Kelly adds. Clean lines, simple details and warm light wood tones give the space a Swedish feel, while ceramic field tile in “Mango” from Heath Ceramics lines the walls up to the ceilings for a pop of color. The arched opening is one of the homeowners’ favorite features, tying into the original feel of the space. New built-in cabinetry in the dining room adds coveted storage and countertop space.
Biggest Challenge: Figuring out how to expand the floor plan without sacrificing the dining space was the most difficult aspect of the design. To better connect the kitchen with the dining room, Nadia and Kelly opted to rework the floor plan of other spaces nearby. “We captured a hallway closet to increase the kitchen footprint and created a new closet in cabinetry at the end of the hallway,”
Kelly explains.
Editor’s Note: The first thing that caught our eye was the mango-colored tile from Heath Ceramics, a lovely pop of color while still blending well with the more natural and subtle Swedish style. The arched opening is also a lovely feature.
Interested? Contact info@aidandesign.com or aidandesign.com.
Beachy Vibes
This light and bright kitchen feels playful as well as functional, with a bold palette and plenty of space and storage.
Design: Marnie Oursler, president, Marnie Custom Homes
Photography: Dana Hoff
Styling: MoKi Media Moeller
Location: Bethany Beach, Delaware
About the Project: Located in the Delaware town of Bethany Beach, this multi-story beach house exudes the energy of a warm, sunny day by the water. When the family reached out to Marnie Oursler, president of Marnie Custom Homes, to create their new home, they wanted a kitchen space to accommodate their family as well as any hosting they would do. “Beach houses are all about fun, and this one immediately stands out and packs a punch with its vibrant pink exterior and bold green front door,” Marnie explains. In the kitchen and dining area, a muted pink range hood blushes against a white canvas of white backsplash and quartz counters. Vaulted ceilings with shiplap allow fine delineation between each space while windows offer gorgeous views. “The open layout of this level creates a clear line of sight, guiding your gaze toward the inviting screened porch, which offers picturesque views of the serene seaside surroundings,” Marnie says. The kitchen is large enough to accommodate for hosting and the spacious island adds plenty of seating.
Biggest Challenge: Creating a colorful custom feel without overwhelming each space was the primary focus of Marnie’s design. While there is a touch of pink in the kitchen, most of the color is reserved for the butler’s pantry, with its
soft pink cabinetry, and the bar area, with its vibrant aqua green storage and cooler space.
Editor’s Note: We love all the natural light as well as the fun palette, deftly balanced by classic quartz countertops and warm light fixtures and hardware. The aqua bar packs a special visual punch that really sets the space apart and makes it feel tailored to the homeowners.
Interested? Email contact@marniehomes.com, visit marniehomes.com or follow @marnieoursler on Instagram.
From Dark to Bold
Originally dingy and disorganized, this kitchen received a total transformation.
Kitchen Design: Nadia Subaran, principal & senior designer, Kelly Emerson, senior designer, Aidan Design
Interior Design: Iantha Carley Interiors
Photography: Robert Radifera
Location: Alexandria, Virginia
About the Project: When appliances finally broke down, the homeowners of this Virginia home knew it was time to launch into a much-anticipated kitchen renovation. “The floor was uneven and cracking too, and the entire kitchen was dark, without proper lighting and proper function,” says Nadia Subaran, principal and senior designer at Aidan Design. She and fellow Senior Designer Kelly Emerson collaborated with interior designer Iantha Carley to create the perfect kitchen for the family. “Aidan Design’s goal with any kitchen is to create a space that is organized and balanced and reflects the owners’ lifestyle,” Nadia says. “The owners embraced color, so that let the team create a bright and functional space.” Blue cabinets, a bright geometric backsplash and a movable orange island with walnut counter give a vibrant feel to the space, while features like a custom window seat with a storage and breakfast bar that doubles as a snack and cocktail bar and ample workspaces bring in functionality.
Biggest Challenge: Bringing light into the kitchen was a key goal for the homeowners as it was a dark space. Nadia came up with three layers of lighting to resolve this issue: under cabinet lighting, ceiling lighting and matching sculptural fixtures as statement pieces over the sink and eating area. The original layout also proved to be untenable. “The previous kitchen had an awkward peninsula that formed a ‘U’-shape that blocked the flow and made the cooking area disconnected from the eating area,” Nadia explains. “By reconfiguring the layout and designing a movable island, the owners now have a bright kitchen that opens to the eating area and functions perfectly for their family.”
Editor’s Note: When it comes to what is the most visually exciting element in this space, it’s a tie between the light fixture above the eating area and the eye-catching geometric backsplash. We also love the little bookshelf tucked in across from the breakfast bar.
Interested? Contact info@aidandesign.com.
Elegance and Efficiency
This renovation includes a new open layout and functional updates, all while maintaining the home’s original character.
Design: Tom Reineberg, architect, InSite Builders & Remodeling
Photography: Nova Soul Imagery
Styling: Mary Gordon, InSite Builders & Remodeling and MoKi Media Moeller
Location: Bethesda, Maryland
About the Project: When the homeowners of this almost century-old house realized their kitchen wasn’t working for them, they knew a major remodel was needed. “The original layout felt cramped and disconnected, requiring movement through multiple rooms to reach the kitchen,” says Mary Gordon, co-founder of InSite Builders & Remodeling. “This inefficiency, along with limited storage and an awkward flow, inspired a redesign focused on creating an open, well-connected and practical space.”
Tom Reineberg, architect at InSite, redesigned the living spaces, which included moving the kitchen’s location and expanding the footprint by incorporating the old storage room. “Despite the home’s nearly 100-year-old structure, the renovation preserved its original character while enhancing its efficiency,” Mary says. An added rounded peninsula and curved cabinetry increased the storage capacity and prep space—a great improvement for the busy family.
Biggest Challenge: Moving the kitchen’s location was the hardest feat, as it involved a rebuilding of the originally 30-inch lower roof of the old storage room, building up the floor and constructing a brand-new roof that matches the rest of the structure. “This structural adjustment was crucial to preserving the home’s architectural integrity while ensuring the new roof did not obstruct the second-floor bedroom’s egress windows,” Mary says.
Editor’s Note: The rounded peninsula and curved cabinets make the design of this space unique, suggesting the historic nature of the home and adding to its charm. We also love the herringbone pattern of the soft and subtle Genesi tile backsplash.
Interested? Contact mary@insiteremodeling.com.
Reimagined Refresh
To accommodate a family’s need for more space and practical storage, the team at InSite created a new kitchen layout.
Design Build: Stephen Gordon, founder & remodeler, InSite Builders & Remodeling
Interior Design: Jess Boro, Boro Home
Photography: Nova Soul Imagery
Styling: Mary Gordon, InSite Builders & Remodeling, and MoKi Media Moeller
Location: North Potomac, Maryland
About the Project: The family of this East Coast home contacted the team at InSite Builders & Remodeling to create an open-concept layout of the main living spaces, providing seamless connection while keeping subtly distinct areas. “They also sought to preserve the home’s cozy, family friendly feel while strategically expanding it to meet their kitchen needs,” says Mary Gordon, co-founder at InSite Builders & Remodeling. “Additionally, they hoped to create multiple conversation areas within the kitchen, ensuring it remained both functional and inviting.” Creating the perfect space for entertaining meant reimagining the layout to allow for areas for guests to gather without hindering meal prep or clean up. “The new kitchen centers around a spacious island large enough for seating, dining and conversation while still allowing ample space for cooking and cleanup,” Mary explains.
Biggest Challenge: “One of the biggest design challenges was the bulkhead, which needed to be perfectly centered over the sink and stove to create a clean, symmetrical look,” Mary says. After taking careful measurements and planning meticulously, the team completed the proper framing and drywall installation. Getting the cabinetry positioned exactly right to allow for seamless flow between spaces and proper clearance between appliances was another challenge. “To refine the design, the space was mapped out on the ground, allowing for adjustments before construction began,” Mary says.
Editor’s Note: The ample island with antique-inspired stools looks to be the perfect space for hosting while also presenting a classic, elegant look and feel. We love a good Shaker-style cabinet too!
Interested? Contact mary@insiteremodeling.com.
Timeless Sophistication
Combining classic and contemporary, this kitchen remodel shines with elevated finishes, functional updates and lovely dark walnut details.
Design: Michael Winn, founder & president, WINN Design + Build
Photography: Constance Gauthier
Styling: MoKi Media Moeller
Location: Fairfax, Virginia
About the Project: After deciding this would be their long-term home, the owners of this spacious Virginia house knew it was important to have a kitchen that would meet all their needs, both practical and aesthetic. “The homeowners were drawn to timeless, sophisticated aesthetics with a blend of traditional and contemporary elements,” says Michael Winn, founder and president at WINN Design + Build. With the main goals of expanding storage and hosting capabilities without expanding the footprint, Michael knew that he and his team would need to implement creative cabinet solutions, as well as make space for professional-grade appliances. Visually, he opted for a “crisp, white” cabinet finish contrasted with warm wood tones. The storage drawers under the cooktop and beverage bar are walnut and add a depth and richness to the design. “We love incorporating walnut into our designs,” Michael says. “In this kitchen, it was the perfect material to balance the light cabinetry and bring a sense of refined craftmanship to everyday functionality.”
Biggest Challenge: Expanding storage while keeping the same footprint was the most challenging aspect of the design. “We resolved this by implementing custom cabinetry solutions, including a built-in coffee station, hidden appliance garage, and deep drawer storage,” Michael says. “Additionally, the dark-stained island adds both contrast and functionality, offering additional storage and workspace.”
Editor’s Note: The walnut details are very striking in this space and accomplish the warmth that the architect describes. We also love the stainless-steel range hood, which adds a modern touch to the space.
Interested? Contact info@winndesign.com or 703.876.9696.
A Pop of Green
This East Coast kitchen received an upgrade that included better flow between dining and family spaces.
Design: Nadia Subaran, principal & senior designer, Kelly Emerson, senior designer, Aidan Design
Photography: Robert Radifera
Location: Silver Spring, Maryland
About the Project: The homeowners of this kitchen reached out to Aidan Design for help to create better flow and function between the kitchen, dining room and family room. “Previously, there was an open eating area and we wanted to improve the relationship between that area and the kitchen, plus add storage,” says Kelly Emerson, senior designer at Aidan Design. The original design of the kitchen was not meeting the functional or aesthetic needs of the family, with its small island and cooktop and poorly placed refrigerator that presented a lack of visual centerpiece. “We wanted to give the kitchen a much more open feel with clear focal points, such as the hood on the back wall, and an island countertop free of any obstructions,” explains Nadia Subaran, principal and senior designer at Aidan. Additionally, they reworked the floor plan to expand the kitchen’s square footage to provide more space.
Biggest Challenge: The open eating area between the kitchen and stepped-down family room presented an awkward space. “We decided to make it more of a focal point with a built-in bench, beautiful wall, window coverings and wall sconces,” Nadia says. “The pendant fixture helps ground the location of the table and transitions us from the kitchen into the family room.”
Editor’s Note: The green island stands out, drawing the eye and serving as a fun yet still timeless touch of color. We also love the cozy eating space tucked under the window with gorgeous exterior views.
Interested? Contact info@aidandesign.com.
Wood & Whimsy
This kitchen shines with a unique blend of industrial, glam and minimalist vibes.
Design: Carlos Nyce, interior designer, TriVistaUSA Design + Build
Photography: Nova Soul Imagery
Styling: TriVistaUSA Design + Build
Location: Arlington, Virginia
About the Project: When the clients approached the team at TriVistaUSA Design + Build they knew exactly what they wanted. “They had a clear vision for the aesthetics: something between minimalist and cozy,” says Carlos Nyce, interior designer at TriVistaUSA Design + Build. “It was also important to maintain the overall mood of their home’s existing décor; we designed the space by seamlessly blending these elements in a balanced way.” In addition to the style, the couple also wanted to improve functionality. “They wanted to transform the kitchen into a space that allowed for better flow between the rest of the house while also providing a more inviting area for entertaining friends and family.”
Biggest Challenge: Getting the style for this space right was an opportunity for the team at TriVistaUSA Design + Build to shine. “The biggest challenge was helping our client distinguish between the style they liked and the atmosphere they wanted to create in the space,” Carlos says. “For us, it’s crucial to offer our expertise and design guidance, ensuring that the project not only meets their functional needs but also becomes the space they’ve always dreamed of.”
Editor’s Note: There are so many unique and fun elements in this space! We love the light fixtures above the island, which add warmth but also visual interest with their sculptural element. The soft wood cabinets brighten the space and the open shelving is a nice visual break.
Interested? Contact info@trivistausa.com or 703.243.3171.
Better in Blue
This kitchen remodel features ample storage, rich textures and a soft, sophisticated palette.
Design: Tom Reineberg, architect, InSite Builders & Remodeling
Photography: Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Styling: Mary Gordon, InSite Builders & Remodeling, and MoKi Media Moeller
Location: Washington, D.C.
About the Project: The couple that owns this D.C.-area townhome knew they needed to rethink their kitchen design, as it did not afford them the functionality they required nor did it meet their aesthetic goals. The team from InSite worked with them to revamp the kitchen and adjoining dining space to allow for functional updates as well as a style that better reflects their tastes. “The homeowners were inspired by the timeless appeal of a classic white kitchen, but wanted to incorporate more texture and warmth,” says Mary Gordon, co-founder at InSite. “They chose a rich, blue grasscloth wallpaper to add depth and a tactile element while balancing the white elements of the kitchen.” Flooring and countertops were selected to match the brown tones in the wallpaper. “The overall design remains clean-lined and minimalist, with a thoughtful mix of materials to add warmth and visual interest,” Mary says. For functional updates, the team extended the cabinetry to the ceiling for more storage and the island peninsula for more prep and seating space.
Biggest Challenge: Due to HOA regulations, the footprint of the kitchen was not able to be expanded. “One of the most effective solutions was extending the peninsula by 12 inches in length and 6 inches in width, which added more workspace and room for seating,” Mary says. “Previously, there wasn’t enough space for seating, but by transforming the peninsula into a bi-level counter, three stools were added, creating a practical area for casual dining and entertainment.”
Editor’s Note: The blue grasscloth wallpaper gives the space a unique touch that really attracts the eye without overpowering. The adjacent dining space with a view looks like a lovely spot for a cup of coffee in the morning.
Interested? Contact mary@insiteremodeling.com.
Custom Classic
This total kitchen renovation features a Colonial influence, glass door cabinetry, to display treasures and modern updates.
Design Build: Stephen Gordon, founder & remodeler, InSite Builders & Remodeling
Photography: Nova Soul Imagery
Styling: Mary Gordon, InSite Builders & Remodeling, and MoKi Media Moeller
Location: Washington, D.C.
About the Project: When the homeowners of this single-level Mid Century Modern home moved in, they knew it would need extensive renovation to make it accessible and functional, as well as match their preferred classic, Colonial style. However, they wanted to make sure to keep the home’s original footprint and character. “In the kitchen, the focus was on blending modern functionality with classic style,” says Mary Gordon, co-founder at InSite Builders & Remodeling. “Every element was designed for efficiency, ensuring that cooking essentials were within easy reach.”
Other features include a movable island, beautiful glass-front upper cabinetry to display their china and crystal collections gathered from world travels.
Biggest Challenge: Maximizing space without sacrificing style is always difficult in kitchens with smaller footprints, as in the case of this remodel. The homeowners also desired professional-grade appliances, meaning that space would be even more limited. “InSite streamlined the space by consolidating major appliances, designing custom cabinetry and repurposing the underutilized breakfast nook into a
well-integrated, floor-to-ceiling pantry,” Mary says. “On the opposite side, a transition area connects seamlessly to the outdoor deck and includes a peninsula with additional storage and seating for casual dining. These changes make the kitchen both highly functional and
visually cohesive.”
Editor’s Note: The 42-inch custom hood stands out as a statement in the space as well as a nod to the homeowners’ unique mix of classic and modern design. The glass-door cabinets are another lovely touch, allowing us to get a glimpse of the homeowners’ gorgeous collections. These features make the space feel custom and specially tailored to the homeowners, which gives it character and charm.
Interested? Contact mary@insiteremodeling.com or insiteremodeling.com.
