Grizzly Peak Berkeley Kitchen

"The finished project was true to the design and looks terrific." - Michael M., Berkeley

Project Description

Small changes can make a big impact! This Berkeley kitchen, built in 2004, was in good shape, although it had never been remodeled. Our clients wanted to make some updates to refresh the kitchen and create a more attractive, functional space. We kept the basic layout of the space in this kitchen refresh while replacing countertops, the stove, sink, faucets, under-cabinet lighting, and lighting fixtures.

The clients use the kitchen often, and wanted to brighten it up with a lighter color palette of countertops, backsplash tiles and paint. Avid cooks, this kitchen remodel started with a desire to replace the original 36” wide range, with a 48” wide Wolf double oven. To accommodate the larger appliance, we modified the adjacent cabinets and countertops. We also added window trim to highlight the view into the outdoors.

Often with kitchen refreshes, we keep existing components of our client’s kitchen, to maximize budget. Simply refining and choosing just the right materials was key to this project. The existing granite countertops and flooring had a very strong pattern and dark colors that were overpowering the beautiful cherry cabinets. By replacing the countertops, backsplash, flooring and paint, we brought in a lighter and updated color palette that would compliment and showcase the original cherry cabinetry. We refinished the cabinets to remove scratches and blemishes to give the existing cabinets new life.

The clients wanted the backsplash to have visual interest, but it was also important to be subtle and complementary to the countertop and other materials. We used Sonoma Tilemaker’s Stellar series tiles in Mojito green which has color variations in it’s crackle glaze. Because the backsplash is such an important statement piece, we used Plugmold outlets along the cabinets to avoid cluttering the backsplash with conventional electric outlets. The light quartz and iridescent tile brighten up the space and provide contrast to the natural, cherry cabinets.

Not all kitchens need a full remodel, tasteful kitchen refreshes can give a well loved space new life. Even without changes to the structure, layout, and cabinetry this Berkeley kitchen feels like a brand new space.