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THE why

With four kids under 8 years old, these clients live a fast-paced lifestyle and they knew they wanted to make this house their forever home. Their 30-year-old home was showing its age in the kitchen with honey oak cabinets and our clients longed for a fresh, light, and white modern kitchen. Because of their love for their neighborhood, they opted to transform their current house into their dream home rather than move, and we are thrilled they chose us to join in on their remodeling journey. They envisioned a space that was not only beautiful but also functional for their growing family.

Highlighted Scope of Work

Scope of Work: While this portfolio focuses on the kitchen remodel, the entire project included extensive updates to multiple areas of the home. Each renovated area was designed to enhance both the white, light, and modern aesthetics and functionality:

  • Half Bath Renovation: Updated with modern fixtures and finishes to create a cohesive look with the rest of the house.
  • Removing Walls in the Entryway: Opened up the space to improve flow and create a more welcoming atmosphere.
  • Replacing Handrails: Installed sleek, contemporary handrails that complemented the home’s new modern design.
  • Laundry Room Makeover: Redesigned for efficiency and style, making laundry chores more manageable.
  • Master Bathroom Renovation:  Upgraded with luxurious fixtures and features, flooring, and vanity to create a spa-like retreat for the parents.
  • Kids’ Bathroom Renovation: Redesigned the kid’s bathroom to be very functional and easy to maintain.

AFTER the transformation 

The transformation resulted in a stunning, modern white kitchen that combines both beauty and practicality. Key enhancements included:

  • Bright and White Design: The kitchen now features a modern, white aesthetic, creating an open and airy feel that is both inviting and sophisticated.
  • Blue Accents: Blue island chairs add a pop of color and elegance, tying the room together with a contemporary touch.
  • Modern Backsplash Tile: Classic white tiles in modern texture and high gloss create a timeless, yet stand-out kitchen style.
  • Large Island: The new island not only offers ample storage but also serves as a central gathering point for the family. It is perfect for meals, homework, and socializing.
  • Modern Lighting: Sleek, stylish island pendant light fixtures provide excellent illumination and a touch of modern flair. Beautiful task and accent lighting create ambiance with the undercabinet and inside cabinet lighting, respectfully.
  • Coffee Bar: A new coffee bar with glass-front cabinet doors, adds a chic and practical feature, perfect for morning routines.
  • New Appliances and Range: Upgrading to state-of-the-art appliances and a modern range improved both the kitchen’s functionality and its visual appeal.

Design and functionality

The remodel maintained much of the kitchen’s original layout, ensuring a familiar flow while incorporating modern upgrades. The removal of the entryway and adjoining dining room walls are the real game-changers to this new kitchen. 

    • Function: The redesigned space maximizes efficiency with proper landing space, clearances, and storage tailored to the family’s needs.
    • Materials: The on-trend and high-quality materials were chosen for aesthetic appeal and ease of cleaning.
    • Budget: This multi-room home remodel will provide an increased return on investment later down the road while adding joy during the current season of life.
    • Time Frame: The project was completed within an estimated time frame based on the scope of work and contractor availability, minimizing disruption to the family’s daily life. 

About these new kitchen finishes

  • Showplace Cabinetry 

    • Concord Door | White (perimeter cabinets)
    • Concord Door in Maple | Peppercorn Stain (island cabinetry) 
    • Concord Door | White with Decorative Waterfall Glass (coffee center) 
  • Viatera Quartz Countertops| Minuet
  • Bedrosian Ceramic Tile | Cloe
  • Coretec Brawley Classic LVP Flooring | Chesnut
  • Blanco Stainless Steel Double Bowl Undermount Sink

The beautiful & beige 

Welcome to the transformation of a once-dated and dim space into a bright & neutral kitchen in the Cobblestone Subdivision. Our latest kitchen remodel showcases the power of neutral tones, natural light, and contemporary kitchen layout and design. This new timeless and inviting open kitchen boasts purposeful storage and functionality.

Honey oak cabinets
L-shaped peninsula
Black countertops
Dining room with brown paint and large windows

BEFORE THE TRANSFORMATION

  • Color Scheme: The old kitchen was dominated by honey oak cabinetry, lending a heavy and somewhat outdated feel to the space.
  • Layout: The kitchen featured an L-shaped peninsula, staggered height upper cabinets and dedicated desk space, which limited the flow and functionality of the area.
  • Countertops: Dark countertops further contributed to the kitchen’s lack of brightness, absorbing natural light instead of enhancing it.

THE VISION

Our goal was to modernize this kitchen while creating a bright, open, and welcoming environment. Furthermore, by introducing a bright & neutral palette and optimizing the layout, we aimed to achieve a sophisticated yet functional space. The realistic design renderings gave our client confidence that her dream kitchen would soon be a reality.

Key Changes:

  1. Cabinetry:
    • Before: Honey oak cabinets.
    • After: Sleek, neutral beige cabinetry that reflects light and opens up the space.
  2. Countertops:
    • Before: Dark, light-absorbing countertops.
    • After: Stunning bright white quartz countertops that enhance brightness and add a touch of luxury.
  3. Layout:
    • Before: L-shaped peninsula restricting flow.
    • After: Removal of a dividing wall and peninsula gives way for a spacious island, providing additional workspace and creating a more open and inviting layout for this kitchen.
  4. Lighting:
    • Before: Limited natural light impact due to the darker wall colors, despite the pre-existing large windows
    • After: Emphasis on natural light with strategic color choices in cabinets and wall colors, creating a luminous atmosphere.

  5. Functional Storage:

    • Before: Standard cabinetry with limited accessibility.
    • After: Cabinets filled with pull-out trays for easy access and maximized storage space. An under-counter microwave integrated into the island cabinetry design, freeing up counter space and maintaining the clean, modern look.

THE RESULT

The newly remodeled kitchen is a testament to the beauty of neutral tones and modern design. The beige cabinetry and white quartz countertops create a seamless and bright environment, while the polished chrome hardware adds an element of elegance. The new island not only improves the functionality but also serves as a central gathering point for family and friends.

About the Fabulous Finishes

The list of exciting changes and fantastic finishes chosen for this bright new kitchen includes:

  • Somerset Classic Hardwood Flooring | Mystic
  • Showplace Cabinetry Edgewater Door | Accessible Beige
  • Quartz Calacatta Laza
  • Daltile | Artegiano Alps
  • Delta | Stryke in Arctic Stainless

THE VISION

Without hesitation, our clients jumped at the opportunity to purchase this 1960s ranch-style home in their dream neighborhood in Leland Grove. Loving to cook and knowing many of their hours would be spent in this kitchen, she was eager to start the big transformation. With the kitchen at the top of the list, they are now full speed ahead infusing mid-century modern style throughout the home. While making the space beautiful was a top priority, optimizing the functionality and maximizing storage space was not far behind. The beauty of their “forever home” mindset was their clear vision and ability to prioritize needs and wants.  

  1. Optimize storage and functionality. Although this home meant downsizing, they were unwilling to sacrifice the luxury of a well-equipped and functional kitchen.  
  2. Achieve Mid-Century Modern style. Their collected and curated items over the years carry this iconic vibe. 
  3. Brighten the space. Maximize the small footprint and standard 8’ ceilings with design choices.  

Highlighted Scope of Work

Before, the kitchen was dark, despite having natural light through the window above the sink. Due to the darker (upper AND lower) cabinets paired with darker countertops, the space absorbed all the light, appearing not only darker but smaller! With the removal of the upper cabinets above the peninsula, designing all other wall cabinets to ceiling height and adding additional storage underneath the peninsula all add to the beauty and functionality of this space! 

LIGHT AND BRIGHT

Now, we have a harmonious blend of a bold color palette and modernization that turns this small, heavy kitchen into a revived Mid-Century Modern Beauty. 

To help maximize the light in the space, we removed the soffits throughout and added new wall cabinets to reach the ceiling allowing for a more modern, streamlined look.

Removing cabinets over the peninsula allows natural light to flow through as well.

STORAGE SOLUTIONS

Before, the kitchen had inaccessible drawers, inefficient access points, and a lot of dead space. With intentional design featuring interior cabinet elements, there is now a place for everything.  

  • Intentional spice rack for the expert cook, 
  • Drawer divider for utensils, and 
  • Base cabinet drawer pullouts to make pots and pan storage effortless. 

About the Fabulous Finishes

The list of exciting changes and fantastic finishes chosen for this new galley kitchen includes:

  • Additional and more functional storage
  • Soffits are removed throughout
  • New Mannington Adura LVT floors
  • Showplace Cabinetry | Milan doors in Red Oak | Harvest and White II  
  • Large crown moulding 
  • Roll trays in lower cabinets
  • Bellavati Solid Surface countertops | Paramount
  • Soho Studio 4×8″ Rumba Diamond Ivory tile backsplash with Nutmeg grout
  • Blanco stainless steel under-mount kitchen sink

 

This recent pull & replace kitchen renovation we completed, went from dark and dated to bright and beautiful! The new space incorporates a beautiful list of textures and colors that blend together seamlessly. While the layout of this kitchen remains mostly unchanged, the visual appeal is dramatically upgraded.

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Design Considerations

Taking a look at the before pictures above help make the “after” that much more impressive! Out with the yellow oak cabinets and In with the new Showplace cabinets in Bright White and Smokey Blue! 

The colors added in this space complement the existing wood floors and wood trim. Adding the butcher block island for extra prep space helps tie it all together. 

Maximizing Kitchen Space

One of the unique features of this home is the moveable island! When trying to capitalize on counter space in a kitchen (especially one with space limitations), it’s important to think about where you want to prepare your meals. Not only does this island allow for additional storage, seating, and prep, but it’s ability to be moved is vital for large holidays, parties, and more! 

The Design Details

The matte black accessories, wood floors, stainless steel appliances, and beautiful white quartz countertops make the look of this kitchen remodel complete! The gorgeous yet simple details included in this Auburn kitchen are—

  • Showplace Cabinets in Smokey Blue and Bright White in a Satin Finish 
  • 5-Piece Drawer Fronts 
  •  Matte Black Richelieu Cabinet Knobs
  • Quartz Countertops 
  • Stainless Steel Undermount Sink
  • 3×12 inch Artigiano Italian Alps backsplash tile 
  • Sherwin Williams “Agreeable Grey” in a matte finish for the walls
  • Delta Single Handle Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet
  • Using existing Stainless Steel Appliances

Welcome to this bold, modern kitchen with gorgeous emerald green backsplash tile.  It is definitely the focal point as you step inside this beautiful lakefront home. This open kitchen is lovely, sleek, modern, and functional — you couldn’t ask for more! 

The Renovation Background

The homeowners had this home built over 40 years ago, with a floorplan that made sense for their family. Now years later and the separated dining room, piano room and kitchen no longer reflected their needs, and the finishes had fallen out of style. Above all, playing with grandchildren and entertaining friends and family now top the list of “most important things”.  

Over the past 10 years, they had reached out to several contractors to discuss the possibility of removing load-bearing walls to create the open kitchen they desired. All of those discussions had come up empty. As a full-service remodeling company, DreamMaker was able to step in and take on this large first-floor renovation – removing 3 dividing walls to create a beautiful and bright open living design. 

The New Floorplan

This client knew she wanted to be able to see the lake outside her window while washing dishes! Mission accomplished.

The expanded footprint of the kitchen now allows for both a large island and an extended-width peninsula, all without a hint of being crowded. The kitchen side of the peninsula is the perfect clean up zone with deep single-bowl sink and dishwasher, while the back side of peninsula is extra storage for less used items – baking sheets, a tote with children’s craft items, etc. While the back wall of the kitchen is the work horse with induction cooktop, double ovens, refrigerator, and microwave, it is not lacking aesthetically. Cue the tile focal point.

The beautiful blue/green backsplash perfectly pulls the lake elements into the home with style and elegance wrapped in one! The beautiful details in this new open kitchen:

  • inset style doors,
  • Showplace cabinets painted in White II (perimeter),
  • contrasting Oak island,
  • honey bronze hardware,
  • Quartz countertops
  • undercabinet lighting as well as over-cabinet lighting
  • pull out drawers
  • pantry style floor to ceiling cabinets
  • bold crown molding

Purposeful Storage Solutions

In crafting this kitchen, we wanted to elevate its storage functionality. The seamless pull-out drawers, effortlessly giving an allocated space to everything from the largest kitchen accessories to the smallest essentials. Even a dedicated utensil drawer ensures a clutter-free countertop, allowing for optimal kitchen workspace.

For these homeowners, expanding the footprint of their L-shaped kitchen was a dream in the making for a number of years. Pushing the back wall (stove and refrigerator wall) into the adjacent room where their office was located, opened up the kitchen for this beautiful island, new French doors to the backyard, and a convenient place for washer dryer upon entering through the garage. As the homeowner prepped in advance with popcorn removal from the ceiling, wallpaper removal, etc, design plans were made to totally transform this tired kitchen into a bright and beautiful new version of itself.

We will try to guide you through this kitchen remodel with before pictures, keep in mind that the kitchen window was moved and French doors are new. The best reference points when comparing before pictures with the after pictures are 1. the wall at left of pantry cabinets and 2. door leading out to the garage. Both of these items are in original positions.

The list of exciting changes and fantastic finishes chosen in this eat-in kitchen include:

  • Additional square footage from adjacent office
  • Soffits are removed throughout
  • New French door added
  • Dedicated washer/dryer space at entrance from garage
  • New LVT floors
  • Cherry kitchen cabinets with Russet stain from Showplace Cabinetry with crown moulding
  • Tall pantry kitchen cabinets to left of refrigerator
  • Roll trays in lower cabinets, including floating pull-out lazy susan alternative
  • Large island with custom curved corner
  • Fantasy Brown Granite kitchen countertops
  • Custom tile backsplash
  • Undermount stainless steel kitchen sink
  • All new kitchen appliances

Sometimes getting a new kitchen is a “pull and replace” where most everything is pulled and out and new materials are put in the same places, same floor plan within the same walls. Sometimes a new kitchen means an “update” with new countertops, backsplash, sink, faucet and maybe paint color and lighting. And then there are those kitchen renovations where the space is so totally fresh and new that you think you are in a different home! Welcome to this Expanded L-Shaped Kitchen Remodel by DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen.

Just as kitchens come in all shapes and sizes, kitchen remodels come in all sizes too. Are you ready to get started on your new kitchen plans? We have a great place for you to start – check out our upcoming events schedule and join us soon!

This is what it looks like when the traditional colonial home goes through a stunning first floor renovation.

Every little detail reimagined and every living space with a fresh purpose, this home is ready for exciting new phases of enjoying adult children and their families. A complete remodel from foyer, into kitchen, dining, living room, and all the way through the laundry room and half bath.  Removing walls between foyer and office (and eliminating an unnecessary half bath), a wall between office and family room, and then also between family room and kitchen, allows the natural light to fill every special nook.

The existing kitchen was in a u-shape, which fit just about 1 cook who was separated from family room, except for the pass through cut-out. Taking down the wall allowed for a true island, with ample seating, open view to dining space with all the warm feels of the traditional brick fireplace.

Reimagining spaces by removing walls, knowing when to keep just the right amount of original character, and choosing light and timeless finishes… it just feels like home!

Simply fresh and simply charming. This old farmhouse had been loved over the years, but when our clients purchased it for their young family, they desired more than a simple update. Remodeling the eat in kitchen it into a fresh, bright, chic, and modern family-style kitchen was high on their list. Adding an island with seating was a must and allows for a more central location for the sink and dishwasher. Maximizing storage with more cabinetry all while delivering a custom and cohesive design that will endure.

Maintaining the charm starts with keeping the existing brick chimney and authentic pine floors. A fresh version of white subway tile for the backsplash, as well as modern version of cup pulls on the base cabinets are the ode to traditional charm.  New cabinet layout and design includes cabinets to the ceiling, built in pantry cabinets at narrow section of kitchen, beautiful exhaust hood and interior lit glass front upper cabinets for a focal point of the new space.  Reduced depth cabinetry at side window makes for a perfect coffee bar.

Beautiful design details include:

  • Showplace cabinetry Concord 5-piece drawers in a light mocha stain
  • Storage solutions include an integrated pantry with roll-out trays cabinet and a utensil pull-out
  • Cambria Quartz countertops in Smithfield
  • An Elkay farmhouse apron-front sink, and under mount bar sink 
  • Daltile backsplash
  • Moen faucets
  • Under-cabinet lighting
  • Pot filler faucet at range
  • Beverage refrigerator

Also, don’t miss the new half bath powder room we added in the landing area just inside the back door. Such a smart value- adding decision.

Powder Room converted from a closet:

In Springfield, Illinois and built in 1940’s, this bungalow home was equipped with a very typical, very small, galley style kitchen. Unique, however, was a room addition on the back of the home. When kitchen remodeling discussions began and the creative energy began flowing, the “what-if” questions quickly became, “What if we turned the room addition into the new kitchen and the old kitchen into a multifunctional mudroom/pet space/workspace?”  Brilliant!

Inspiration for the newly imagined kitchen included pretty green cabinetry and the wish list included maximized light, increased countertops/workspace, and enhanced cabinetry storage.

A short wall of new kitchen boasts pantry cabinets on each side of existing window, creating a custom built-in space for both the refrigerator and the wall oven/convection combo, as well as providing great landing space for coffee bar.  Other perimeter cabinetry includes the coveted drawer storage and amazing countertops.

Details and special features:

  • Showplace EVO frameless cabinets
    • Pierce Door and 5 piece drawer fronts
    • Paint – Green Sprout, satin finish
    • Crown molding to drool over
  • Panel ready dishwasher
  • Daltile: Mesmerist, Charm (to ceiling)
  • Butcher block countertops
  • Hafele blind corner pull-out component

And about that old kitchen space…. The new multi-functioning mudroom? 

Efficient design allowed for combining new cabinetry and using existing cabinet boxes for a very custom layout. The mudroom is all about plants, pets, and a few human comforts.

Much of the old cabinetry stays in place and face frames are painted Sprout Green to match the kitchen.  New doors and drawer fronts for the old cabinets now fit nicely with new pantry style cabinets on opposite wall. Laminate countertops with integrated stainless steel sink, open shelving for shoes, and vertical applied car siding complete this new space.

Bungalow Kitchen Remodel 6

If you have ever wondered “when” is the right time to remodel a kitchen, then you probably realize the answer will vary depending on who you ask. Still functioning is not the same as still in style. This is the case with this 25 year old kitchen. These homeowners were ready for an exciting fresh and modern look for their sweet home.

It still looks clean, functioning, sufficient storage, etc., however, arched top medium oak cabinet doors, laminate tops, drop in shallow depth stainless steel sink, fluorescent light fixture and small islands are not really “in” items in current kitchen design. Kitchen desk spaces from the 1990’s are rarely used and the refrigerator topper cabinet, well, there are just so many better options when creating a custom kitchen design.

Older kitchen with oak cabinets and small island
Features to love about this Springfield, IL kitchen renovation include:
  • Island
    Replacing the small peninsula at end of kitchen space to a large kitchen island that seats four and now opens up to dining table and family room more nicely. Electrical outlets added.

  • Lighting
    Updating the lighting (all on dimmer switches and connected to homeowners Alexa system) to multiple can lights to disperse ambient light throughout, pendant lights over island serve as task lighting and also a design feature, LED lighting under the cabinets is a huge improvement from the small yet bulky individual fluorescent fixtures of the past.

  • Cabinetry 
    Gorgeous Showplace Cabinety, stained frameless cabinets in a tawny stain and satin finish. Tall upper cabinets reach to ceiling with crown moulding polishing off the look. Specialty mixer lift cabinet component in island, tall pantry cabinet design creates built in space for refrigerator, and former desk space becomes a fantastic coffee bar.

  • Countertops and backsplash
    Granite countertops, Blanco Silgranite under mount sink, black stainless Delta kitchen faucet, and artisan style tile by Glazzio for the backsplash.

If your sweet home has matured itself gracefully, but now is out of style, then we would love to come alongside you for your kitchen renovation.

Let our kitchen remodeling experts help. Visit our Design Center and Showroom located at:

DREAMMAKER BATH & KITCHEN OF SPRINGFIELD

3730 WABASH AVE.
SPRINGFIELD, IL 62711
(217) 529-9300

9:00am—5:00pm, Monday—Friday

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DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen
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3730 Wabash Avenue
Springfield, IL 62711

217.529.9300
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3730 Wabash Avenue
Springfield, IL 62711

217.529.9300
Instagram Facebook-f Linkedin-in Youtube Pinterest