Classic Transitional Kitchen Design and Renovation

We asked Legacy designer Michael Burr to share how the Legacy Total Reno • Kitchen team transformed this cramped, outdated kitchen into an open, fresh space designed for entertaining.

The homeowners' primary goal was to create a better space for entertaining. The old kitchen, dining room and living room were closed in by walls and separated by an oak railing which negatively impacted the feel and flow of the space. The existing oak cabinets and dropped ceilings did not meet the client's preference for a modern Transitional style. The homeowners were also looking to improve kitchen seating, allowing guests to share the space comfortably without feeling in the way.

Michael was able to deliver on these goals by creating two islands instead of one large one in the kitchen. One island functions as a prep space and cooktop while the other is dedicated to entertaining and storage. To achieve a Transitional style, the Oak cabinets were replaced with a grey Cherry shaker-style.

The previous walk-through pantry was replaced with recessed floor-to-ceiling cabinets. The homeowners love this addition as it allows for additional storage and easier access.

To improve the overall flow of the main floor, the oak railing was removed and replaced with a glass barrier. The stairway down to the living room was also updated to give the renovation a seamless look.

Our client was very happy with the design experience

"I felt Michael took ample time to listen and understand what I was trying to achieve. He actually made me think about how I was going to use the space and to work in the kitchen. He made me think about where to put things in the kitchen, so that it is not only beautiful but efficient as well. He was very thoughtful about what he was doing. He was willing to listen to what we wanted and he was willing to offer suggestions. Michael's skill at interacting and communicating was a key component of the project. He was always respectful about finding out what would work best for us."

Additional information about this Total Reno • Kitchen