Shaker-Style Simplicity in a Westchester Kitchen

This clean and crisp look is anything but boring

Before: Two weeks after closing on a Tudor-style townhouse built in 1926—with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and 1,800 square feet of living space—the homeowners decided that the kitchen renovation would have to happen sooner rather than later. The sense of urgency was propelled by the fact that many of the appliances didn’t work. There were also the ‘70s-era finishes to consider; dark brown cabinets, beige countertops, and vinyl flooring. Planning a gut renovation, the homeowners decided to maintain as much of the existing layout as possible. On the list of must-haves were new cabinets, fresh tile, and updated appliances.

After: Ready to renovate, the couple posted their project on Sweeten and were matched with a general contractor. The original placement of the sink under the window made sense, but the placement of the cooktop and double oven—on opposite sides of the kitchen—was inefficient. Plus, with the dining room next door, the built-in dining nook was unnecessary and took up valuable real estate.

Although storage wasn’t an issue, the couple decided to add a line of cabinets to the right wall to match the line of cabinets on the opposite side, bringing symmetry to the kitchen layout. White, Shaker-style cabinets were installed along the upper line with a set of gray cabinets beneath them. The backsplash was replaced with white subway tile that reaches the ceiling for a seamless appearance while slate floor tile adds rich contrast to the overall neutral palette. The finished space also received the much-needed (working!) new appliances, including a range.

(During above) Demolition uncovered the back of the side door, which is no longer in use

Bonus: A panel disguises the door of the dishwasher, keeping the lower line of cabinets unbroken by a bulky appliance, and one of the upper cabinets was forfeited in exchange for wine storage. Cheers to a job well done!

Style finds: Kitchen cabinets with Bodbyn paint: Ikea. Viatera Minuet countertops: LG. White subway tile: Home Depot. Slate floor tile in brushed black: Altivo Pedras. Sink: Ikea. Faucet: Delta. Refrigerator, stove, and microwave: KitchenAid. Dishwasher: Miele. Paintable wallpaper: Graham and Brown.

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Remodeling in Westchester? Check out our Kitchen Renovation Costs: Westchester Edition to plan your budget.

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