From Outdated Builder Grade to Warm, Elevated Kitchen

After

When I first saw this space, it had the classic builder grade look many homes from the early 2000s have. Dark cabinetry, basic finishes, and a layout that felt more functional than intentional. Nothing was necessarily wrong with it, but it lacked warmth, character, and a sense of design.

The goal with this transformation was to take the same footprint and elevate it into something timeless, layered, and inviting. By introducing natural wood cabinetry, dramatic marble surfaces, sculptural lighting, and a custom banquette dining nook, the space now feels lighter, more refined, and designed for real living. The mix of classic materials with a few modern pieces like the acrylic stools and the sculptural dining chair keeps the room feeling fresh while still grounded and timeless.

Shop the Room

Dining Nook
Round marble dining table:

arhaus.com/products/polanco-round-dining-table

Curved upholstered banquette seating:

https://www.crateandbarrel.com/leandro-hazel-green-single-l-shaped-loveseat-dining-banquette-with-square-corner/s496370?a=1552&pla_sku=496370&pcat=FURN&ag=adult&targetid=pla-325425753764&campaignid=22922696077&adgroupid=187225906234&adpos=&creative=770389177150&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22922696077&gbraid=0AAAAAD-RWKhuiC1yEudrdtGwC9wF3OzCy&gclid=CjwKCAjwjtTNBhB0EiwAuswYhqA_rP-YOp7YaqRXZ55EDO9sYUj9SjKk6nG1TA-cTh5k_CM_WGSg9hoC2JAQAvD_BwE

sculptural wood dining chair with shearling seat:

https://oberystudio.com/collections/artemest/products/daina-dining-chair‍ ‍

Brass dome pendant light:

https://www.arhaus.com/products/fan-28-pendant?variant=42297060262059

Kitchen
Light oak cabinetry with brass hardware.

Marble countertops and backsplash: https://shopimperialtile.com/products/calacatta-viola-slab?variant=46376655519931&country=US&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&srsltid=AfmBOoqQd_Kdx7ojbnwt4SPDF7yYgIrN0hiKnUdNlRikHChzWOSFmwEzeoE&com_cvv=8fb3d522dc163aeadb66e08cd7450cbbdddc64c6cf2e8891f6d48747c6d56d2c

Custom brass range hood:

https://www.worldcoppersmith.com/copper-range-hoods/premier-pr9-range-hood?tw_source=google&tw_adid=751718772461&tw_campaign=22551764629&tw_kwdid=pla-2430275109836&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22551764629&gbraid=0AAAAAD8VfBpz2h0ICqP7G6g_fmgDXNTHk&gclid=CjwKCAjwjtTNBhB0EiwAuswYhjp5GlH59EAwQiV7mxPeTjz9tavf4ToVYHPZEWkCri8cRWFKff4YSBoCpp0QAvD_BwE

Clear acrylic counter stools:

https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/c/bar-furniture/counter-bar-stools?t=24416&featuredproduct=16818245&featuredoption=27985915&ci_sku=23120821-000-000&cnc=US&cid=323894&type=pla&targetid=&track=pspla&utm_source=google&utm_medium=pspla&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18567232758&gbraid=0AAAAAD_EGx9pLHbdD4IdW0mfMC9YYDY30&gclid=CjwKCAjwjtTNBhB0EiwAuswYhv0yjQEpUQyhnBVftPodR280qL5WkfJTPY3JYKKQpdTMzMsQZYdDuxoCDO0QAvD_BwE

Decor and Styling
Framed equestrian artwork, striped wood frames: https://www.etsy.com/il-en/listing/4387682332/polo-player-print-equestrian-decor

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Vintage-Horse-With-Bold-Green-Stripes-French-Country-Wall-Art-Maximalist-Decor-For-Bedroom-Living-Room-Office-UNFRAMED/19251307648

Sculptural vase:

https://www.cb2.com/forma-handcrafted-brown-terracotta-vase/s386479?storeid=&a=501&pla_sku=386479&pcat=HSW&targetid=aud-518782172133:pla-1455829478523&campaignid=22639159114&adgroupid=181178123275&adpos=&creative=756145287033&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22639159114&gbraid=0AAAAADcnorxsQB1GVRPT00oSuZm5yVy_8&gclid=CjwKCAjw687NBhB4EiwAQ645dvSzsZV5fWMgEiIMPXyNzRIh33QWUXUCWnX5TFxVJf0V9_EoopGk-hoCQDkQAvD_BwE

Finishes
European oak flooring

Wall paint: Benjamin Moore White Dove

Before

source: Zillow