A Timeless Rebuild Rooted in Flow and Function

In the heart of Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania, Mike & Michelle found themselves at a crossroads. Their kitchen once the core of their home had become a bottleneck of outdated cabinetry, cramped flow, and compromised function. From a design standpoint, everything was intact. But from a living standpoint, everything needed to change.

They weren’t just looking for an update, they were ready for a reinvention. That’s when they reached out to First State Building & Design.

Understanding the Disconnect

The original kitchen layout, like many from the early 2000s, was locked into a traditional perimeter cabinetry design. Storage space was limited, and what existed wasn’t functional. A small center island barely held prep space, and traffic flow between appliances, sink, and seating made even casual cooking feel like a chore.

A spacious kitchen with wooden cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a central island, and a dining area with six chairs. The countertops are cluttered, and large windows let in natural light.

From a visual standpoint, the warm wood tones and tile floors had dulled over time. The once-generous windows felt like missed opportunities for natural light, and the dining area, positioned in the corner by the bay window, felt more like a staging zone than a welcoming space.

Design That Starts with Listening

At First State Building & Design, every transformation begins with curiosity. During the consultation, our design consultants sat down not just to measure walls, but to understand frustrations, habits, and aspirations.

What wasn’t working? Where did clutter build up? How did they envision gathering in the kitchen not just for meals, but for life?

From those conversations, we developed a new spatial philosophy: more efficient cabinetry, expanded sight lines, and a center island that could serve as both prep zone and social anchor.

Using First State Building & Design’s Process they were able to visualize every corner of the future kitchen before the demo even began. The renderings showed a brighter, more open space where cabinetry blended seamlessly into wall lines, and functionality was redefined.

Modern kitchen with sage green cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island with a white countertop, four wooden chairs, large windows, and a ceiling fan with lights. Brick-style backsplash adds a rustic touch.

Modern kitchen with sage green and beige cabinets, a large island with bar stools, stainless steel appliances, and large windows letting in natural light. A ceiling fan is mounted above the island.

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The Execution: Rethinking Flow from the Subfloor Up

The remodel officially began in mid-September and extended through May. Like most full-scale kitchen renovations, the project required a complete gut. Floors were removed. Walls were patched and retextured. Electrical and plumbing lines were repositioned to serve a new layout that featured:

A massive central island with seating on three sides
Floor-to-ceiling pantry cabinetry for concealed storage
Brick-look backsplash with soft greige undertones
New tile flooring throughout, installed with precision leveling
Modern ceiling fan and recessed lighting to brighten the space evenly

A room with large windows is under renovation. Large square tiles are being installed on the floor, with spacers between them. The walls are partially unfinished, and construction tools are scattered around.

Two people are working on a kitchen renovation, painting and sanding near cabinets and a window. Tools, paint cans, and drop cloths are spread across the counters, and sunlight streams in through large windows.

A modern kitchen under construction with a large island countertop, unfinished cabinets, and tools and supplies underneath the island. The floor is covered with protective material and blue painter’s tape lines the edges.

A kitchen corner with dark green cabinets, white countertops, and a light brick backsplash. There is a cabinet space left open, likely for an appliance, and sunlight is streaming through windows above the counter.

The cabinetry, a mix of rich green and creamy off-white on the island, created contrast and balance, while the quartz countertops offered both elegance and durability. Integrated appliances, including a built-in double oven and French door refrigerator, streamlined the wall lines and maximized function.

What Changed: Before & After

Before	After
Tight U-shaped perimeter layout	L-shaped cabinetry + expansive island
Orange-toned oak cabinetry	Painted cabinetry in sage green + soft cream
Small island with no overhang	Large central island with seating and integrated sink
Basic white tile floor	Oversized porcelain tile laid in a linear format
Standard microwave/range combo	Built-in double oven, microwave wall stack
Dated ceiling fan & low lighting	LED recessed lighting + wood-blade fan
Mismatched window treatments	Fresh, streamlined fabric valance and blinds

The new kitchen is not just visually modern, it’s built to support how the whole family lives: baking together, entertaining comfortably, and moving through daily routines without friction.

What This Project Shows

This remodel underscores one of First State Building & Design’s core strengths: reimagining layout and flow without needing an addition. By reallocating space within the existing footprint, we delivered a kitchen that feels dramatically larger, brighter, and more custom without moving a single exterior wall.

This transformation is a clear example of what happens when thoughtful design meets experienced execution.

Bright, modern kitchen with sage green cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a white island with four upholstered stools, large bay windows with blue patterned curtains, and a ceiling fan.

Modern kitchen with gray-green cabinets, marble countertops, stainless steel double ovens, and large windows allowing natural light to brighten the space. Light brick backsplash and neutral floor tiles complete the design.

Project Highlights

Project Type: Residential kitchen design-build
Location: Garnet Valley, PA (Delaware County)
Timeline: September 19 – May 23
Cabinetry: Custom-painted shaker in two-tone (sage & cream)
Countertops: Quartz, waterfall edge
Backsplash: Brick-look tile in soft neutral palette
Flooring: Oversized tile, staggered installation
Lighting: LED recessed cans + wood-blade ceiling fan
Appliances: Built-in double oven, microwave, stainless French door fridge

Ready for Your Own Kitchen Story?

At First State Building & Design, we don’t just remodel kitchens, we transform the way homes are lived in. Book your free consultation and discover how thoughtful design can change everything.

Book your free design and build consultation today →