Kitchen Remodel in Blacksburg, Virginia

Project Story

When this client invited us into her home, she didn’t just ask for an updated kitchen, she dreamed of a space that could keep up with her love of baking. The kitchen she had was small, dim, and divided by an awkward peninsula that cut the room in two. Beyond it sat a dining area that had quietly fallen out of use. By borrowing that underutilized square footage, we were able to completely transform the heart of her home through a full kitchen remodel, increasing both the size and functionality of her kitchen.

The Solution

Before

After

One of the first improvements was a simple but meaningful change. We removed the peninsula entirely, instantly doubling the size of the perceived kitchen space and allowing the kitchen to breathe. In its place, we added cabinetry and something truly special, a custom-built hidden rolling island.

The island became the heart of the design. Our client wanted the functionality of an island but wasn’t willing to sacrifice the small wall separating the kitchen from the living room, and the space simply wouldn’t allow for a traditional fixed island. Instead of forcing a standard solution, we designed a custom rolling island that could be tucked away when not in use.

To make this work, we customized the fixed wall cabinetry to create a space for a custom rolling kitchen island to slide in smoothly without damage. Our lead carpenter and designer collaborated closely, carefully planning and crafting a one-of-a-kind piece that fit perfectly by a fraction of an inch. Today, that kitchen island rolls out effortlessly for baking days, entertaining guests, or everyday kitchen tasks.

The thoughtful kitchen design continued throughout the space. Surrounding the island feature was a cabinet to house the existing microwave and a convenient trash pull-out nearby. We also reimagined the previously unused back wall into a charming focal point. A glass display cabinet now showcases featured items, while a floor-to-ceiling kitchen pantry provides generous kitchen storage with drawers for easy access. Floating shelves bridge the gap between the two, adding warmth and visual balance.

In this kitchen remodel, even the cats were considered. When the dishwasher moved into their former feeding spot, we created a new feeding station beneath the glass cabinet, complete with the necessary height and an outlet for their special water fountain. The dishwasher was relocated to make daily cleanup easier for our right-handed client.

To make cleaning effortless, we selected sleek slab-style doors and drawers and extended the cabinetry to the ceiling, reducing dust while maximizing storage. For the finishing touches, we layered in creamy countertops, a modernized soldier-stack backsplash, and black hardware that ties in beautifully with the appliances and fixtures. Updated lighting, including under-cabinet lights, a pendant over the sink, and recessed fixtures were added to increase functionality of the space, while the removal of the peninsula allowed natural light from the patio doors to flood in. The result is a kitchen that feels warm, welcoming, and just modern enough, perfectly suited for a passionate baker and the many moments she’ll create there.