Project: Light & Bright Contemporary Kitchen · Reno, Nevada

The Client

An active, growing family who loves to entertain and treats the backyard as an extension of their home.

The Brief

This family wanted a light, bright, and functional kitchen that could stand up to the wear and tear of everyday life and still feel like a showstopper when friends came over.

They needed:

  • A new layout that put the kitchen closer to the backyard and moved the formal dining room toward the garage.
  • A functional pantry and laundry area, adjacent to the kitchen, that actually supported their routines.
  • Better sightlines so Mom and Dad could see the kids in the living room and backyard while cooking.
  • Custom cabinetry with a generous island, clever storage, kid‑friendly access, a built‑in bar, and room for a possible prep sink.
  • Guidance through all the “what ifs” so the design stretched their budget in smart ways without blowing it up.

They wanted a kitchen that felt current and special, plus a design guide they could trust through a stressful remodel.

Before: Cramped Dark & Cut off

The existing kitchen was cramped, dated, and short on counter space, with limited, poorly organized storage that left surfaces cluttered and required constant workarounds. Tucked away from both the living area and the backyard, it also made it difficult for the parents to keep an eye on their children while preparing meals.

  • Before: the kitchen was cut off from the living area and backyard.

  • Before: a dark, cramped and dated kitchen

What We Did

What we did

We completely re‑thought how the main floor worked:

  • Flipped the layout so the kitchen now occupies the former dining room and the dining area moved to the old kitchen footprint. This unlocked better flow and much stronger connections to the living room and backyard.
  • Added large, symmetrical windows on the main wall to flood the space with light and visually widen what had been a long, tunnel‑like room.
  • Designed a 13‑foot island with seating on one side and a spacious work zone on the other—ideal for weekday breakfasts, homework, and casual entertaining.
  • Integrated kid‑accessible microwave and dish storage, empowering the children to prepare their own snacks and help with setting and clearing.
  • Ensured generous walking space on both sides of the island, eliminating the pinch points of the old layout.
  • Tucked a coffee and cocktail bar under the stairs, transforming previously wasted space into a hardworking, beautiful feature.
  • Created a dining area with built‑in storage and buffet, flanked by tall pantries near the garage for easy unloading of groceries and plenty of space for serving when entertaining.

From concept through completion, we collaborated closely with the client and builder to refine the vision, adjust for field conditions, and protect both function and aesthetics.

The key to this transformation? Completely rethinking the floorplan.

Materials

  • Flooring – Porcelain tile
  • Walls – Painted drywall
  • Cabinets – Custom rift‑cut white oak
  • Countertops – Quartz
  • Backsplash – Quartz and marble
  • Light fixtures – Rattan
  • Plumbing fixtures – Matte black

What makes this kitchen special

  • Custom rift‑cut white oak cabinetry with tailored, contemporary detailing.
  • Premium Cambria quartz countertops and a layered quartz‑and‑marble backsplash.
  • A large, open footprint with abundant natural light and a statement‑making island.
  • High‑end appliances selected to match the family’s cooking habits and entertaining style.
  • Thoughtful integration of dining, storage, and bar areas so the entire zone works as one cohesive, custom space.

What our client had to say

"

I dreaded all the potential issues with our kitchen remodel. Jackie told me the process should be fun—and somehow she made it exactly that. She simplified complex decisions, honored my husband’s vision, and delivered results we never could have achieved without her guidance.”

Gallery

  • Light, bright family kitchen with custom rift‑cut white oak cabinetry and a 13‑foot island

  • Extra‑long island with seating on one side and a generous prep zone on the other

  • Microwave and dish storage at kid height so children can help themselves

  • Generous walkways on both sides of the island eliminate the pinch points of the old kitchen

  • Coffee and cocktail bar tucked under the stairs makes use of previously wasted space

  • Dining area with built‑in buffet and storage, right‑sized for the room. Twin pantries near the garage make unloading groceries quick and efficient.

Award-Winning Project!

Our Light & Bright Contemporary Kitchen was awarded the 202302024 BANNer award for Best Remodel Residential by the Builders Association of Northern Nevada.

Ready to start your own room transformation?

If you’re planning a major remodel and want a home that feels tailored, calm, and quietly luxurious, we’d love to talk about what’s possible in your space.

Book a Discovery CallCall or Text