We typically spend more time in our kitchens over the holiday season, which also means more time to notice issues with how the space functions. Now that the holidays are behind us, this is the perfect time to address those concerns by renovating your kitchen! Whether you are looking for a simple refresh or want to make significant changes to the space, there are several ways you can change your kitchen outside of just the materials and finishes you select. These four kitchens are unrecognizable from their before photos, but each took a different approach to how they made such a huge impact. Here are four ways you can transform your kitchen and fall back in love with the heart of your home!

1. Expand into an adjacent room

When it comes to transforming a small kitchen, the best solution is often to expand into an adjacent room, such as a dining room or an unused formal living room. This opens up the entire first floor and allows our designers to get creative with space and function. For this kitchen, we tore down the wall between the kitchen and dining room and used the entire length of the house for a new, custom space. Two-tone cabinetry, gold trim, a wet bar, and even a secret door are key features in this glam Beverly Hills kitchen.

2. Change the materials

Sometimes, the current kitchen's layout is truly the best one for the space. However, that doesn't mean the kitchen doesn't need a refresh. Known as a pull and replace, this type of kitchen renovation takes the room down to the studs then builds the space up with entirely new materials.

This homeowner liked how the kitchen functioned but hated how it looked. So we replaced all of the cabinetry with custom Braemar Cabinetry in a rich blue for the lower cabinets and a bright white for the uppers. All new appliances, flooring, countertops, and backsplash complete the look. The layout may be the same, but this kitchen looks brand new!

3. Change the style

Your kitchen may function perfectly, but you just can't stand the look or style. No problem! Working with a design-build firm like Marks-Woods gives you access to an expert design team who can help you update your space and make it more your own.

The homeowners purchased this townhome in Old Town because they loved the location and layout. They did not, however, love how traditional the kitchen was. So, we went super modern! Sleek high-gloss white cabinets pop against the antique mirror backsplash. Minimalist hardware and understated countertops keep the space looking clean and contemporary.

4. Move the kitchen to a new location!

For many older homes, the location of the kitchen no longer makes sense. This is especially true in Old Town, where it isn't uncommon to find a kitchen in the basement! For this project, we moved the basement kitchen to the first floor. To accommodate the new kitchen, we bumped out the back of the house with a three-story addition. It was really important to make the new kitchen feel bright and airy (the exact opposite of their below-grade one,) so we used light floor stain, custom color cabinets, and a wall of windows across the back of the home.