Elevating Kitchen Design on a Budget: The FiveTen Construction & Interior Design Approach
I'm proud to share the story of how we at FiveTen Construction & Interior Design met the challenge of enhancing a kitchen's aesthetic on a shoestring budget. It was a test of our creativity, and we rose to the occasion. The kitchen in question had an oversized, underutilized mudroom and an unsightly plaster soffit that marred its nine-foot ceilings, yet it featured sturdy, contractor-grade cabinets that were relatively new and in great shape. My task was to inject new life into this space while respecting the solid foundation we already had.
The homeowners had a clear vision: they wanted a pantry they could walk through, better countertops, the original hardwood floors to remain, an uplifted overall kitchen aesthetic, no changes to the kitchen island size, and a range hood to replace the over-the-range microwave. These were non-negotiable elements that they believed would define their kitchen's new look.
As we examined the kitchen, we identified several areas ripe for improvement. It was clear that the kitchen would benefit from designated spots for countertop appliances and trash, which would otherwise clutter the space. The layout around the window above the sink was clumsy and the pendant light hanging over it was more distracting than decorative.
Our solution was to keep the good and revamp the not-so-good with style and practicality. We retained the existing cabinets but crafted a custom soffit that looked like it was made to be there, perfectly aligned with the high ceilings. We reimagined the mudroom, splitting it into a smaller foyer and a highly functional walk-through pantry. This not only concealed the usual mess from view but also created an efficient route from the garage to the kitchen for groceries. This new pantry space was designed to neatly house countertop appliances and even the repurposed microwave, now complemented by a chic beverage fridge.
To truly elevate the kitchen's aesthetic, we played with the countertop materials, choosing a statement stone for the island and a more budget-friendly option for the rest. The effect was striking, giving the impression of luxury without the hefty price tag. We also transformed the sink window wall into a captivating statement area, with backsplash tile or stone reaching up to the ceiling and stylish sconces adding symmetry and interest.
About Highlights:
Addressed budget limitations with smart, impactful design choices.
Utilized an oversized mudroom to its full potential.
Swapped out the plaster soffit with a custom cabinetry solution.
Client Must-Haves Highlights:
Integrated a convenient walk-through pantry.
Upgraded countertops for a refined look.
Retained the charm of the original hardwood floors.
Enhanced the overall aesthetic without altering the kitchen island's size.
Swapped out the microwave for a chic range hood.
Designer Observations Highlights:
Spotted the need for discrete storage solutions for appliances and trash.
Recommended a countertop upgrade to enhance functionality and style.
Proposed the elimination of the distracting over-the-sink pendant light.
Solution Highlights:
Maintained the quality cabinets, adding custom solutions for a cohesive look.
Crafted a statement sink/window wall as a focal point.
Mixed countertop materials to balance budget with luxury.
Redesigned the mudroom for improved functionality and aesthetics.
Proposed various island design options for a customized finish.
Ways We Saved:
Kept the main appliances in the same location
Utilize the existing cabinets
Kept the layout to avoid updating or refinishing the hardwood flooring
Our ability to deliver tailored interior design and space planning, meshed with savvy construction design, is what sets FiveTen Construction & Interior Design apart. We're committed to exceeding our clients' expectations, even when the budget and space are tight. Contact us for all of your construction design, construction planning and interior design needs.