Lively Large-Scale Kitchen remodel

Photography Credit: Peter Rymwid

Transforming a Cramped Kitchen into an Exciting Modern Kitchen with All the Savvy Gadgets & Appliances for Entertaining

A lively and modern kitchen can completely transform the way a family lives and entertains, and for one family of five, that transformation was brought to life by the expert interior designers at RCQ Design. Faced with an outdated and cramped layout, the team reimagined the space, turning it into a showstopping kitchen with savvy gadgets, high-end appliances, and enough room to entertain guests comfortably.

A Kitchen Designed for Entertaining

The homeowners envisioned their kitchen as the heart of their home—a place where family and friends could gather, socialize, and make lasting memories. To meet this goal, RCQ Design crafted a functional, welcoming space anchored by an extra-large kitchen island. The island serves as both a focal point and a gathering place, offering ample room for seating, food prep, and conversation.

An open layout was prioritized to emphasize spaciousness, and the design team ensured every inch of the kitchen worked seamlessly together. A newly vaulted ceiling added to the airy, luxurious feel, while the soft green backsplash introduced warmth and charm. Above the standout Wolf stove, an intricate yet subtle tile design adds visual interest without overpowering the room's cohesive aesthetic.

Top-of-the-line appliances were key to creating a space that meets the homeowners’ active entertaining lifestyle. The kitchen now features Wolf double ovens, a Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer, and a floor-to-ceiling wine refrigerator, making hosting seamless and sophisticated. To complete the vision, an adjacent lounge area was incorporated, complete with a cozy fireplace and a wall-mounted TV—the perfect spot for watching sports, cooking shows, or simply relaxing. Guests can mingle around the island, sit comfortably on custom chairs and stools, or enjoy the kitchen's many thoughtful details.

From Vision to Reality: The Design Process

RCQ Design approached this project as a complete remodel. The existing kitchen was fully gutted, allowing the team to reimagine the space from the ground up. While the homeowners desired a mix of traditional and modern design with contemporary flair, the transformation was carried out in carefully planned phases:

• Measuring the Space: Accurate measurements of the original kitchen provided the foundation for the redesign.

• Creating a Floor Plan: A detailed floor plan defined the new flow and functionality of the kitchen.

• Selecting the Flooring: Wood flooring was chosen for its warmth and character, finished with a dark stain to ground the design.

• Designing the Layout: Once the floor plan was finalized, the team focused on elevations to ensure every element was feasible and functional.

• Choosing Appliances: High-end appliances were selected with the homeowners' entertaining lifestyle in mind, including double ovens, a separate refrigerator and freezer, and a wine refrigerator.

• Curating the Details: The perfect kitchen is made in the details, and RCQ Design thoughtfully selected each element to achieve the desired style. The team incorporated:

  • Custom cabinetry

  • Hardware

  • Countertops

  • Backsplash

  • Lighting fixtures

  • Paint colors

  • Window treatments

  • Custom furniture

Overcoming Challenges to Deliver a Stunning Result

While every design project comes with its challenges, this remodel was unique. The home, originally built in 1962, presented a blank slate but also required careful planning around existing load-bearing walls. Despite these limitations, RCQ Design embraced the challenge and delivered one of their most dramatic kitchen transformations to date.

The pandemic posed an additional obstacle, causing delays that extended the project timeline. However, the final result was well worth the wait. For Rina, RCQ’s lead designer, watching the plans on paper come to life was the most rewarding part of the process.

A Showstopping Modern Kitchen

From its striking vaulted ceiling to the seamless integration of appliances and thoughtful design details, this reimagined kitchen perfectly blends traditional charm with modern sophistication. It now stands as the true heart of the home—a place to cook, gather, and entertain with style. For the family of five, it’s more than just a kitchen; it’s where memories are made, and guests always feel at home.

This project is a testament to the creativity, precision, and expertise of RCQ Design—transforming outdated spaces into functional, beautiful environments that truly reflect their clients' needs and lifestyles.