Transforming a Cramped Kitchen into a Lively Large-Scale Kitchen with all the Savvy Gadgets & Appliances for Entertaining 

A Look Into How the Interior Designers at RCQ Design Took an Outdated Kitchen Layout and Reimagined the Space into a Show Stopping Modern Day Kitchen. 

Interview Questions Answered by Principal Designer Rina Capodieci-Quinn.

What was the goal?  

The goal was to create a lively and spirited modern kitchen for a family of five and their many guests. As active entertainers, the homeowners wanted their kitchen to be a gathering place, so an extra-large kitchen island was designed as the center point. Additionally, the overall kitchen layout was made as open as possible with extra seating and an emphasis on spaciousness. The newly vaulted ceiling expands the space and enhances its luxury while the soft green backsplash keeps things warm and welcoming. A more intricate, but still subtle tile design sits above the Wolf stove and effortlessly draws attention. In addition to the Wolf stove, there are a multitude of other high-quality kitchen appliances all throughout such as Wolf double ovens, a sub-zero refrigerator and freezer, and a full height wine refrigerator. As the space expands, an adjacent fireplace and wall mounted TV are set in front of a comfortable lounge area that makes the kitchen feel complete. Sports games, cooking shows, and all the above can be enjoyed whether sitting comfortably in the custom chairs, kitchen stools, or even standing around the grand kitchen island. 

What was the scope?  

This project was a complete remodel. The existing kitchen was gutted, and an entirely new space was imagined by the design team. 

What was the sought-after interior design aesthetic?  

The client wanted a traditional, but modern kitchen design that also had some contemporary flair.  

What were the phases of design?  

• Measure Existing Space 

• Create a Floor Plan 

• Floor Selection

  • In this case, wood was the material and a dark stain was used to finish.

• Kitchen Layout 

  • After the floor plan was created there was a better idea of where things were going. However, elevations needed to be thought through to make sure everything the design team imagined was feasible. 

• Appliance Selection 

• A great kitchen needs top of the line kitchen appliances. The team was sure to keep in mind the lifestyle of the client in order to pick the best appliances that work for the family. In this case, double ovens, a separate refrigerator and freezer, and floor to ceiling wine refrigerator were priority. 

• Detail Selection 

• There are many details that go into a kitchen remodel. In order to achieve the mixed style that the client desired, RCQ had to get creative with what they put together.  Details that were chosen by the team included: 

  • Cabinetry  

  • Hardware  

  • Countertops  

  • Backsplash 

  • Lighting  

  • Custom Furniture 

• Paint Color Specification 

• Window Treatment  

What was your favorite part of the job?  

Rina’s favorite part of the job, as in many cases, was watching what she imagined on paper morph into reality. 

What was your least favorite part of the job? 

In this project, there was a lot of lag time due to the pandemic. The process took longer than originally planned due to circumstances outside of the team's control. Nevertheless, it came together beautifully and the design team could not be happier!  

What made this job unique compared to other jobs you’ve done?  

This project was presented to RCQ as a shell from a home that was built in 1962. The outside perimeters were already defined, therefore the team had to be sensitive to load bearing walls. Despite restrictions, this was one of the most dramatic kitchen remodels RCQ has done! 

Photography Credit: Peter Rymwid