Before & After: An Interior Designer Remodels the Kitchen in His 19th Century Loft
When we moved into our Caraleigh Loft, Paul and I loved almost everything—except the kitchen. It was dark, cramped, and felt disconnected from how we actually live and entertain. We knew a transformation was in order, not just to improve aesthetics, but to make it feel like home. Now, after thoughtful planning and some bold design decisions, the space has become bright, welcoming, and truly reflective of our style. I'm excited to share our kitchen’s incredible before-and-after journey, along with a few insights we picked up along the way.
Before – The Original Kitchen Design
When we first moved in, the kitchen’s layout revolved around an outdated peninsula that disrupted the natural flow of the space. Instead of creating a cozy area to gather or cook, the peninsula made the kitchen feel cramped and awkwardly separated from the rest of our loft.
The cabinets, though white, felt undersized and cheaply made—scaled more for a standard suburban home than our expansive, industrial-style loft with its tall ceilings. Because they didn’t reach high enough, the kitchen felt unfinished and disproportionate. Dark, dated countertops absorbed what little brightness the room had, and a bold checkerboard backsplash added an unexpected (and definitely unwelcome) Nascar vibe.
On top of that, the kitchen had some puzzling storage choices, like an impractical wine rack placed awkwardly in the peninsula, and cabinets that provided minimal usable space. Appliances felt undersized, and overall, the room lacked cohesion and efficiency—making it clear that thoughtful, intentional changes were necessary.
We knew there had to be a better way.
Our Vision for our Kitchen Renovation
From the start, Paul and I wanted a kitchen that felt open, inviting, and true to the industrial character of our loft. Our main goals were clear: eliminate the awkward peninsula to improve circulation, replace the dated countertops and backsplash with materials that felt fresh and timeless, and install cabinetry that was appropriately scaled for the loft’s soaring ceilings.
We envisioned cabinetry stretching to the ceiling, creating vertical drama while also providing the storage and visual balance our loft demanded. Lighter, brighter countertops were essential to help reflect the natural light and open up the space visually. Ultimately, we aimed to transform the kitchen into a space that felt not just stylish, but genuinely functional—perfectly aligned with how we love to cook, entertain, and live day-to-day.
"We wanted a contemporary, open-concept kitchen that would blend seamlessly with the loft's industrial style. We aimed for a brighter space, optimized storage, and high-quality finishes to complement our modern lifestyle."
– Robert
The Kitchen Renovation Process & Key Decisions
With our vision set, we dove into the renovation with clear, intentional choices to elevate both style and functionality. Removing the awkward peninsula immediately improved flow, creating the openness we craved for both cooking and entertaining.
We replaced the dated, dark countertops with “Fresh Concrete” by Caesarstone, a durable man-made quartz that resists stains, scratches, and everyday wear—perfectly suited to our busy lifestyle. The backsplash was simplified into a classic 6"x6" grid of blue-green tiles, providing a timeless aesthetic that complemented the loft’s industrial charm.
For cabinetry, we selected a striking veneer from Abet Laminati, characterized by its almost-white background and distinctive black grain. Up close, it offers an intriguing texture, while from a distance it reads as clean and contemporary, bringing subtle visual interest without overwhelming the space. To fully capitalize on our loft’s tall ceilings, cabinets now extend all the way up, visually balancing the room's proportions.
Our new appliances are from Subzero and Wolf, chosen for their professional-grade quality. Instead of typical gas-powered appliances common in many projects, we selected an induction range for precise temperature control, improved indoor air quality, and greater safety. Its commercial, industrial aesthetic fits perfectly within our loft’s style. To further enhance the kitchen's openness, we opted for a sleek, integrated downdraft ventilation system, which elegantly eliminates the need for a bulky overhead hood.
After: The Reveal of Our New Kitchen Design!
Stepping into our renovated kitchen now feels transformative. The space is open, bright, and thoughtfully balanced, finally reflecting the character of our loft. Among our favorite additions is the sleek cabinetry featuring Abet Laminati veneer—its subtle black grain adds interest without overpowering the airy feel.
Two standout features have made daily life especially enjoyable. First, the fully integrated refrigerator hidden seamlessly behind cabinetry gives a clean, uninterrupted look. Second, the double-door appliance and beverage station—a clever built-in solution designed to neatly house our coffee maker and small appliances—is both practical and stylish. Below this hidden station, we tucked a convenient microwave drawer, keeping it accessible but entirely out of sight.
These thoughtful details help our kitchen stay beautifully organized, streamlined, and perfectly suited to our lifestyle—whether we’re preparing coffee or hosting friends.
Key kitchen improvements:
Improved openness and flow.
Scaled cabinetry reaching the ceiling.
Durable, stylish countertops and backsplash.
Seamless integration of modern appliances.
"The result is a sophisticated, airy kitchen that feels expansive and inviting. The custom cabinetry, paired with chrome hardware and crisp quartz counters, perfectly captures the modern-industrial vibe of the loft."
– Robert
Before & After – A Dramatic Kitchen Renovation
While I wish we'd taken more "before" pictures (a classic design regret!), the images we have still capture how significantly the kitchen has changed. The original space, with its oddly scaled cabinetry, dark countertops, and disruptive layout, feels worlds apart from the open, contemporary space we now enjoy every day.
Below, we've shared side-by-side comparisons using wide-angle shots taken from similar vantage points. Notice how removing the peninsula immediately expanded the room visually and functionally, while new cabinetry, brighter surfaces, and carefully integrated appliances have given our loft kitchen a cohesive, timeless look.
Key transformations to notice:
The openness created by removing the peninsula, greatly enhancing flow.
Custom cabinets scaled appropriately for the loft’s high ceilings, balancing proportions and adding elegance.
Light Caesarstone countertops and a timeless backsplash, brightening and updating the kitchen’s aesthetic.
Integrated appliances, including the induction range and refrigerator, creating a seamless, modern finish.
Helpful Tips From Our Kitchen Renovation Project
Looking back, here are a few insights from our renovation experience that might help with your own kitchen makeover:
Scale Matters: Appropriately scaled cabinetry instantly elevates your design.
Prioritize Durability and Maintenance: Durable surfaces like Caesarstone quartz make everyday life easier.
Consider Hidden or Integrated Features: Cleverly concealed storage maintains a clean aesthetic.
Rethink Traditional Choices: Induction cooking offers precision, safety, and better air quality.
"Our biggest lesson? Never underestimate the power of lighting and layout. Simple structural changes combined with thoughtfully chosen fixtures can completely transform your kitchen." - Robert
Considering your own renovation? Explore our portfolio or contact us.
Happy renovating!