The vision for this kitchen was to create a vibrant, highly functional space rooted in mid-century modern design while maximizing the home’s existing footprint. The original layout included both a kitchen and a formal dining room beside another dining area, leaving the kitchen cramped and the layout inefficient. The goal was to reallocate space to create a kitchen that felt generous, efficient, and full of personality.

Materiality played a central role in the design. Clear-coat white oak cabinetry grounds the room with warmth and authenticity, while green painted upper cabinets introduce bold color and contrast. Quartzite countertops bring natural movement and durability, paired with handmade Fireclay tile used on both the backsplash and vent hood to add texture and craftsmanship.

The island became the defining design move. Rather than forcing a square island into the available footprint—which would have restricted circulation—the project team designed a 60-inch round island in white oak. This sculptural centerpiece improves flow within the square space while reinforcing the home’s mid-century character. Pie-shaped drawers within the island provide clever storage, proving that the feature is as practical as it is striking.

Expanding the kitchen required eliminating one of the two adjacent dining spaces, allowing the remaining dining area to function more effectively while dramatically improving the kitchen’s usability.

The result is a warm, expressive kitchen that celebrates clean lines, natural materials, and thoughtful problem-solving—transforming a once-cramped layout into a spacious and inviting heart of the home.

Resources

Designer: Alex Huckins  Cabinetry: Parks Cabinets  Countertop Fabrication: Summit Stoneworks  Tile: Fireclay Tile  Tile Installation: Urban Tile & Stone   Lighting: Visual Comfort; Cedar and Moss  Hardwood Flooring: SVB Wood Floors  Plumbing Fixtures: Grandview Winnelson

Designer

Orion Design

Contractor

MSC Enterprises

Photographer

Bob Greenspan

Floor plans and drawings

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