When the owners of this 2002 traditional rambler in Shakopee, Minnesota, wanted to refresh their beige-and-brown kitchen with its short cabinets and angled peninsula, they turned to design-build pros Steve McDonald and Angela Barnhart. With a large blended family of six young adults and another home in Florida, the owners had a clear vision. “They wanted their Minnesota home to feel more cozy, updated and modern,” Barnhart says.
A simple refresh wouldn’t cut it. The team recommended a full cabinet replacement and key layout changes to deliver a truly transformative space. Removing the awkward peninsula made way for a new island with custom rift-cut white oak cabinetry, adding seating, storage and better flow. Perimeter cabinets painted a warm neutral stretch to the ceiling, creating depth and contrast. A refinished wood floor, upgraded appliances and striking Mona Lisa granite for the countertops and backsplash complete the brighter, more sophisticated kitchen that now meets the demands of modern family life.