When my husband Mark and I bought our starter home 13 years ago, it was a quaint 1939 duplex in the vibrant neighborhood of Silver Lake, Los Angeles. Sure, it was a bit rough around the edges – with ancient carpeting, condemned staircases, and a jungle-like backyard – but we saw so much potential. With the help of my handy contractor father-in-law, we were able to transform that humble abode into a cozy, functional home that grew right alongside our young family.
As the years passed and we welcomed our two children, Eden and Arlo, our little house began feeling smaller and smaller. The COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated this, as we found ourselves constantly underfoot, craving more space to spread out. It was time to get creative.
After refinancing our home and tapping into some of that equity, we set our sights on overhauling the heart of our home: the kitchen. Our previous galley-style layout just wasn’t cutting it anymore, so we enlisted my father-in-law’s expertise once again to help us reimagine the space.
Doubling the Kitchen Size
The first step was figuring out how to maximize the existing footprint. By analyzing the structural walls with a hands-on approach (read: my father-in-law drilling countless holes!), we determined that we could actually shift one side of the kitchen to the exterior, creating a U-shaped layout and nearly doubling the square footage. This genius move enabled us to add a small walk-in pantry – a game-changer for our growing family.
As any parent knows, kids come with a whole lot of stuff – toys, books, sporting equipment, and more. Having that dedicated pantry space provided the perfect place to corral all the clutter, keeping our main living areas feeling clean and tidy.
But the real showstopper of our renovation? Those panoramic sliding doors that we installed along the back wall, opening our kitchen up to the deck. I had been dreaming of those doors for years, and they truly transformed the space, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. Now, we can enjoy that stunning view of the Hollywood sign and Silver Lake Reservoir while cooking, entertaining, or simply watching the kids play in the yard.
Designing for Function and Aesthetics
Of course, expanding the footprint was only half the battle. The other crucial element was crafting a kitchen design that would not only look beautiful, but also function seamlessly for our family’s needs. I channeled my inner interior designer, curating a Pinterest mood board and even consulting with design expert Sarah Sherman Samuel for her professional opinion.
The goal was to create a space that felt light, bright, and airy – a true reflection of our California lifestyle. I fell in love with the idea of incorporating an arched niche shelving unit, which added so much character despite the fact that our home didn’t previously have any arched architectural elements.
When it came to the color palette, I opted for a soothing mix of blues and whites, with the lower cabinets in a soft Wolf Gray and the uppers in a crisp Carrara white. The Cambria quartz countertops and backsplash lent a luxurious, yet durable, finish that I knew would hold up to our rigorous cooking and baking routines.
And speaking of baking – my newfound sourdough obsession during the pandemic really sealed the deal on the need for a kitchen renovation. I needed more counter space, more storage, and more room to spread out. This new layout provides ample surface area for kneading dough, proofing loaves, and indulging my baking habits to the fullest.
Maximizing the Space for Family Life
Beyond the aesthetic appeal, we made sure to design the kitchen with our family’s everyday needs in mind. Functionality was key – things like a designated “breakfast station” to keep our morning routine running smoothly, plenty of storage for all the kids’ snacks and dishes, and even a tucked-away charging station for our devices.
The open concept layout allows me to keep an eye on the little ones while they play in the living room or backyard, while the cozy seating nook provides a perfect spot for them to hang out and do homework. And that walk-in pantry? It’s become the holy grail of organization, housing everything from canned goods to sports equipment.
Even the materials and finishes we selected were chosen with family life in mind. Durable, easy-to-clean surfaces like the quartz countertops and tile floors mean I can breathe a little easier when the kids inevitably make a mess. And those arched shelves? They add a touch of whimsy without sacrificing practicality.
A Flexible, Future-Proof Design
One of the things I love most about our kitchen renovation is how it has evolved to meet the changing needs of our family. When the kids were younger, that cozy breakfast nook was the perfect spot for them to sit and do arts and crafts. Now that they’re a bit older, it’s transformed into a dedicated homework and study area.
As our home renovation company ABC Home & Design always emphasizes, the key to creating a truly family-friendly space is designing for flexibility. We knew that our needs would shift over time, so we made sure to incorporate elements that could easily adapt.
For example, those panoramic doors that we’re so in love with? They provide the perfect balance of indoor-outdoor living now, but down the line, they could easily transition into a cozy, secluded reading nook or teen hangout spot. And that walk-in pantry? It started as a catch-all for all the kids’ gear, but as they grow older, it could become a dedicated laundry room or even a home office.
By keeping the big picture in mind and anticipating how our family might evolve, we were able to create a kitchen that truly grows with us. No matter what stage of life we find ourselves in, this space will continue to serve as the heart of our home – a hub of activity, creativity, and connection.
The Importance of Personalization
Of course, no family home is complete without a touch of personality. Throughout the renovation process, I made sure to infuse our kitchen with little details that reflect our unique style and story.
Take, for example, those playful drywall cutouts in the shape of eyes – a nod to one of my kids’ favorite children’s books. Or the vintage-inspired light fixtures and knobs that add a dose of California cool. Even the arrangement of our kids’ artwork on the bulletin board feels purposeful, creating a gallery-worthy display that celebrates their creativity.
These personal touches are what truly transform a house into a home. They tell the story of the people who live there, adding warmth, character, and a sense of belonging. For our family, the kitchen renovation wasn’t just about creating a beautiful, functional space – it was about crafting a space that truly felt like ours.
A Labor of Love
As I reflect on this entire journey, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of pride and gratitude. Renovating a kitchen is no small feat, but with the support of my handy father-in-law and the guidance of design experts, we were able to turn our vision into a reality.
The final result is a space that not only looks stunning, but also serves as the beating heart of our home. It’s where we gather to cook, to connect, to create memories as a family. And knowing that we had a hand in shaping every aspect of it? Well, that just makes it all the more special.
So, if you’re a fellow homeowner embarking on a kitchen renovation, my advice to you is this: don’t be afraid to get creative, to think outside the box, and to design a space that truly reflects your family’s unique needs and personality. With a little bit of elbow grease and a whole lot of love, you can transform the hub of your home into a true sanctuary.
And who knows – maybe your kitchen renovation will even inspire you to try your hand at sourdough baking, too. After all, what better way to christen a brand-new kitchen than with the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread?
