Before & After: This Kitchen Lost The Layout, But Kept All the Character

This kitchen had issues, to say the least. We’ll gloss over the linoleum floor (not horrible, but not great) and the counter top, which sagged where it shouldn’t (never a good thing when you need a functional surface). Instead, we’re going to jump right on over to the stove, which had to be plugged in with an extension cord! Combine that with a fridge that was eating up floor space, and you know it’s time to rethink the kitchen layout.

Thankfully Claire, and her husband Luke, knew what they were in for when they bought their character-filled home, starting with the oddly laid out kitchen. They were able to re-jigger the space, without spending a ton. Here’s what it looks like today:

Claire stayed true to the home’s roots, and designed a vintage-style kitchen that’s classic and beautiful. The black and white color palette will never go out of style, nor will the white wall tile and butcher block countertops.

Claire started by removing everything from this one wall, including the fridge which was sticking too far out into the room, and this random set of cabinets sitting off on their own. They were able to keep the stove and sink in essentially the same locations, without having to move gas or plumbing lines— a major money saver during a remodeling project.

She moved the (new, counter-depth) fridge to the other wall and surrounded it by cabinetry to look more built in. She also added in an island, set on casters, to increase counter top space —always a clever move in a kitchen, if you’ve got the space.

Now, where the fridge used to be, is a refurbished antique cabinet that not only adds major personality, but also packs in a lot of storage, and let’s them display show-worthy dishes and glassware.

Claire made a lot of smart and beautiful choices, and now has a kitchen built to last (and look good) for years. For the full low-down on the project, head over to Centered By Design.

Thanks so much Claire!