This retired couple in Washington state were ready to trade the cramped, dated kitchen in their 1990s split-level home for something brighter, smarter and more functional. Basic maple cabinets fell short on storage, and a bulky two-tier island made walkways uncomfortably tight. While skylights and a nearby sliding door offered some natural light, the lack of a window left the space feeling dark.
Designer Molly Erin McCabe guided the couple beyond their initial idea of a light refresh to a full remodel that reconfigured appliances, opened up circulation and brought in a garden view. Warm cherry cabinetry now stretches to the ceiling, maximizing storage and beautifully complementing a soft blue backsplash. A sleek single-level island creates better flow, while a new bar area with a beverage fridge improves entertaining.
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A recently retired couple
Location: Kingston, Washington
Size: 280 square feet (26 square meters), including a breakfast area
Designer: Molly Erin McCabe of McCabe by Design
Before: This view from the living room shows the former kitchen in the background. While the size of the open layout was adequate, short basic maple cabinets without knobs or pulls offered little storage or style. Granite tile counters and a black tile backsplash paired with a mix of black and stainless steel appliances felt dated. The bulky two-tier island cramped circulation. “It was probably the first thing out of my mouth,” McCabe says. “They didn’t have sufficient aisleways.” A breakfast area with a wood table and chairs and a sliding glass door to a deck connected the kitchen and living room.