Project Highlight: Dream of Green

Transforming an older home’s kitchen without losing its original charm? Challenge accepted! Our designer Stephanie collaborated with a young couple in Virginia Highlands to turn their newly purchased house into a dream home, starting with the heart of it – the kitchen. This project was all about honoring the character of the house while bringing the kitchen into a more functional, updated, and stylish space.

As you’ll see in the before photos, the kitchen felt tight and outdated – definitely not the ideal setup for a growing family. The homeowners wanted a bigger, more practical layout, custom cabinetry, integrated appliances, and a large island with bar seating, all while keeping the charm of the house intact. With green being one of their favorite colors, they also hoped to incorporate it in a way that felt timeless yet fresh.

Before the Renovation

The old kitchen just wasn’t maximizing its potential. The cabinetry felt dated, and the layout didn’t offer enough storage or space for entertaining. There was no pantry, and the large desk area was unnecessary for the family’s needs.

After the Transformation

The layout was opened up by removing a half wall and expanding the left side to create space for a generous U-shaped kitchen design, anchored by a stunning, large island. We closed in the bar area to make room for a walk-in pantry and included all the integrated Sub-Zero appliances that bring that seamless, modern feel. With mullion glass doors showing off beautiful stemware, the new bar area is now functional and elegant.

A true centerpiece, the cabinetry features a custom green paint chosen by the homeowners, bringing in that refreshing pop of color they wanted. For the island, we opted for a rich walnut stain, creating a warm contrast that grounds the room and adds a bit of charm.

It’s All in the Details

The details truly made this space unique. Bronze hardware and faucet add a subtle warmth throughout, while a white porcelain farmhouse sink provides that classic touch. To keep things tidy and organized, we included thoughtful cabinet inserts: a spice pullout, a utensil pullout flanking the range, and even peg organizers in drawers to keep plates and bowls in place.

A hidden appliance garage keeps countertops clutter-free, and the bar features paneled Sub-Zero refrigerator drawers and a beverage fridge for easy entertaining.

With natural sunlight streaming in from the windows and the combination of green, walnut, and bronze, the space feels lively yet cozy – just what the homeowners had envisioned. Now, they have a kitchen that feels both timeless and fresh, ready to handle the day-to-day hustle of family life and entertaining alike.

Check out the full transformation and more photos of this beautiful kitchen on our website.

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We are an Atlanta-based kitchen and bath design studio. We specialize in kitchen cabinetry and kitchen design. View more projects and learn more about Dove Studio!