New Project Alert! My Mom’s Kitchen :: The Before ::

{a peek at the preliminary plans & the original mood board}

While it’s been such a joy to feature my interior design projects in the past, I’m often limited with what I’m able to share. Every client is a little different regarding what they’re comfortable with divulging, and it’s always my number one priority to protect and respect their privacy. But now that I’m embarking on my mom’s kitchen renovation, all bets are seemingly off – and I’m pretty pumped about the whole ordeal. 

My mom, much like myself, is most definitely an open book, and her kitchen has been something we’ve wanted to tackle for years now. Alas, it’s finally time, and I thought it’d be fun to take you all along for the ride. We’ve been designing and coordinating everything for a good chunk of time now, however we officially start demolition next week, which is lighting a fire under my butt to finally start sharing everything. I’ll definitely be posting a ton of behind the scenes goodness on instagram stories, so if you’re curious to follow along in real time I highly encourage you to come join me! In the meantime, I thought it’d be helpful to start from the beginning and show you what we’re working with

The Existing Floor Plan

the current layout

As you can see, the kitchen is actually quite generous in size as far as square footage is concerned, however the layout definitely leaves little to be desired. All of the main kitchen components are tucked in the corner, which is perfectly fine for a single cook. However as someone who likes to entertain regularly, I’ve witnessed my mom get visibly frustrated as everyone crowds into the tiny nook to get a drink, grab ice, or lend a helping hand while she attempts to do her thing.

On the right you’ll find a fireplace and small seating area, which has proven to be quite lovely over the years, however it’s definitely not the most practical, nor functional layout. Needless to say, the floor plan currently leaves little to be desired, and most definitely doesn’t capitalize on the more than generous floor plate, making the kitchen feel much tinier than necessary.

The Before Photos

what we’re working with

We moved into this home when I was in the twelfth grade, and while it has served us well over the years (my brother and I have had so many pre-parties in this very spot, ha!), it has most definitely seen better days. It was a new build when my mom purchased it back in 2002, and while it has treated us very well, corners were definitely cut (as they often are when it comes to a new build). Small things like no backsplash, teeny baseboards and casings, awkward bulkheads, and cheap-y porcelain tile are alive and well. However the thing that has always bothered me most is the lack of character and charm – something we most definitely plan on rectifying going forward. 

Here’s a closer look at “the befores”…

{so much unsused space}

{the tiniest work zone}

{a semi-awkward seating area} {not enough closed storage}

{a lack of charm and character}

There you have it! The current state of my mom’s totally-fine-but-could-be-so-much-better kitchen. I can’t tell you how excited my mom and I are to blow the whole thing up and start from scratch. To really give my wonderful mother the kitchen she so deserves. It’s going to be so (so!) good and I can’t wait to take you along for the ride. 

OTHER POSTS FROM THIS SERIES

The Inspiration

The Floor Plan

The Vibe

The Finishes

The Construction