A Warm California Vibe for a Modern Kitchen
When our client reached out to us for a home renovation in West Chester, PA, she had a clear vision: create spaces that not only catered to her modern aesthetic but also prioritized the comfort and safety of her aging parents, who would soon be sharing the home.
What followed was a project that not only elevated the kitchen but also blended modern design elements with comfortable furnishings, creating a haven that met the needs of the entire household. Here’s how we brought the vision to life.
Designing for Accessibility
One key, must-have feature was the addition of an elevator, which was thoughtfully integrated into the floor plan. As space constraints made it challenging to add an external elevator shaft, we located the elevator off of the mudroom, using the existing laundry room space for the hoistway and cab. This design ensures easy movement between all three floors, making the home accessible to everyone. We then remade one bedroom on the second floor into a hallway to the elevator, and created a new, spacious laundry room.
Mudroom and Elevator Door
Elevator Interior
New Laundry Room
The Heart of the Home: A California-Inspired Kitchen
The term “California kitchen” often evokes an image of light, airy spaces, natural finishes, and a seamless flow between cooking, dining, and living areas. This renovation is no exception. Gone is the traditional, separate dining area; instead, we opted for a spacious, oversized island that not only provides ample workspace but also serves as the central gathering spot for family and friends.
At the heart of the design is a 48” Wolf range—a statement piece that serves as both the centerpiece of the kitchen and a true chef’s appliance. We optimized the surrounding space by relocating the refrigerator to an adjacent wall, opening up the countertop area and ensuring smooth flow between work zones.
Range and stone-wrapped hood
Custom Cabinetry & Thoughtful Design
The kitchen cabinetry was designed to reflect a warm, modern aesthetic. We selected a light, stained wood finish for the custom, Shaker-style cabinets, creating an earthy feel that complements the home’s broader design language. The clean lines and subtle texture of the wood add warmth without detracting from the modern sensibility of the space.
Since the kitchen had enough width to accommodate extra storage, we added 12" deep cabinets to the back of the island. The support pieces for the countertops were also used to house additional storage, making the kitchen as practical as it is beautiful. The rich wood floors extend through the space, adding an inviting, organic touch that grounds the modern elements around them.
The lighting fixtures, chosen for their sleek, contemporary design, add to the overall ambiance. They not only illuminate but enhance the room's carefully curated aesthetic, while one of our client’s modern art pieces acts as a stunning focal point.
Kitchen-After
Elevating the Design: Quartzite Stone and Hidden Features
The countertops and backsplash are a standout feature in this space. A natural stone quartzite called “Tahiti” was selected, which was leathered for a more relaxed, tactile feel. The material’s rich depth and subtle veining add character and a sense of luxury, while still maintaining a laid-back vibe.
The range hood became a key focal point of the room as well. After exploring several design and finish options, we decided to wrap the surface of the hood in the same Tahiti stone, creating a seamless visual transition that breaks up the wood cabinetry and adds an unexpected twist to the design. The result is a stunning, modern focal point that elevates the entire space.
An added touch of sophistication comes from a bank of glass-front cabinets. Not only do they create visual interest, but they also offer an ideal space for showcasing cookware or small appliances, providing a playful contrast to the more subdued wood cabinetry.
The client also requested an under-sink sparkling water system—a first for us. This sleek, yet practical addition ensures that sparkling water is always on hand right out of the faucet, adding both convenience and luxury to the kitchen. Other highlights include a large pull-out pantry next to the refrigerator, German hardware that allows easy access to, and use of, the corner of the "L", and customizable drawers for dishes.
Additionally, we expanded and reimagined the mudroom which is just off the kitchen, transforming it into a functional space with new "lockers" and a smart garage-door feature in the cabinetry to easily hide everyday items. It’s all about making the space both beautiful and efficient.
Other projects in the home included updating a bathroom, a basement renovation, and reworking a tray ceiling in the primary bedroom. Every design choice for the home was made with the same vision of a simplified, modern aesthetic, and included refinishing the wood floors and choosing new paint colors, light fixtures and a fireplace surround. We also removed other traditional details such as the six round columns, cornice trim above the door openings and decorative trim on the side of the staircase.
Kitchen-Before
Conclusion: A Kitchen that Brings it All Together
Typically, the kitchen is the heart of every home, and this kitchen is no exception. This renovation perfectly exemplifies how a kitchen can combine beautiful design with practicality. From the bold statement of the Wolf range to the elegant, functional cabinetry and innovative storage solutions, every element was carefully considered to meet both aesthetic and functional needs. The result of our careful planning is an entire home that is comfortable and safe, and truly embodies the spirit of modern living.
Foyer
Basement Sitting Area
Gaming Area in Basement
Primary Bedroom Ceiling
Photo Credits: David T. Woodall, KingdomWorks Media