Rick & Sharon’s Garnet Valley Kitchen Remodel

Every kitchen remodel starts with listening.

During our first visit, we learned:

• Sharon gravitates toward bright, timeless traditional finishes, nothing too trendy, but clean and uplifting.
• Rick values practical function: a better cooking workflow, improved storage, and reliable lighting.
• They both wanted a kitchen that felt bigger, brighter, and less cluttered without removing walls or altering the footprint.

The original kitchen had:

• Heavy, patterned granite that visually weighed down the room
• Golden maple cabinetry that absorbed light rather than reflecting it
• A dated tile backsplash and traditional peninsula layout
• Limited prep space despite plenty of square footage
• A window wall that offered great light—but wasn’t being visually maximized

From that conversation, a clearer dream emerged:

A brighter, white-based kitchen with clean lines, softer contrasts, enhanced storage, and a beautifully functioning island in place of the old peninsula.

Once the wish list was defined, our design team created photorealistic 3D renderings that allowed Rick and Sharon to step inside their future kitchen long before construction began.

Key design decisions that took shape in rendering:

• A central island replaced the old peninsula, immediately creating better movement and gathering space.
• White perimeter cabinetry brightened the once-heavy room and helped maximize natural light.
• A rich, dark island base grounded the space, adding character without overpowering.
• Glass and brass pendants brought in warmth and elegance.
• A new feature cooking wall with a black hood, fresh tile, and glass-door uppers added focus and symmetry.
• Two new floating shelves created a coffee and display zone for Sharon’s blue-and-white pieces.
• Updated hexagon tile backsplash introduced subtle texture and a modern feel.

These renderings became the roadmap for the final design set.

Construction took place from August 13 through October 28, and each stage brought the vision closer to life.

As the build progressed, each detailed element unfolded:

Step 1: Careful Demolition

The first few days focused on removing cabinetry, countertops, backsplash, and the peninsula while protecting existing floors and windows.

Step 2: A Clean Slate

Once everything was stripped back, the team opened up the walls to update electrical runs, prep for new lighting, and ensure the new cabinetry layout fit perfectly.

Step 3: New Drywall & Fresh Foundation

The entire room received new drywall finishing to prepare for tile, cabinetry, and paint.

Step 4: Cabinetry Takes Shape

Next came installation of the white Dura Supreme perimeter cabinetry and dark island base. Storage immediately increased, and the space felt larger even before counters went in.

Step 5: Countertops & Backsplash

A stunning neutral granite—soft greys, whites, and charcoal veining—was installed across the perimeter and the island.
The backsplash followed, using a hexagon tile with a soft sheen that catches the light beautifully.

By late October, Rick and Sharon stepped into a space that felt fresh, calm, and completely transformed, without altering the footprint of their home.

What Their New Kitchen Now Features:

• White perimeter cabinetry that bounces light and creates a spacious feel
• A dark, furniture-style island with seating for four, integrated microwave, and additional storage
• New cooking wall featuring a black range hood, glass-door uppers, and a modern hexagon tile backsplash
• Floating shelves that balance the pantry wall and create a display-worthy coffee zone
• Brass hardware and lighting for warmth and contrast
• Updated granite countertops with serene veining that ties the whole palette together
• Full ceiling lighting plan with recessed lights + statement pendants for layered illumination
  

The room, once visually busy and boxed in, now feels open, seamless, and serene.

This project is a perfect example of how strategic updates, thoughtful finish selection, and smart layout changes can completely redefine a space without tearing down walls.

Rick and Sharon now have:

• The island they always wanted
• A brighter palette that makes the room feel bigger
• A high-functioning layout rooted in everyday use
• A kitchen that looks modern yet timeless
• A space that feels more like their home than ever
  

In Garnet Valley, this kitchen remodel shows just how transformative a well-planned design-build process can be.

If you’ve been dreaming about a kitchen that connects, and delights, we’d love to talk. At First State Building & Design, we partner with you from the dream to the final detail, so your home doesn’t just look better, it feels better.