The Renovation of our family kitchen

Take a deeper look into the details of air Philly Four Square kitchen remodel

As full-service interior design firm, creating dream homes for clients is the core of what we do at Sharp & Grey Interiors. But turning that design eye onto my own home? That proved to be a whole different kind of challenge, layered with sentimental decisions and the unique pressure that comes with being your own toughest critic! When my family and I moved into our beloved Four Square house in Elkins Park back in 2011, I instantly knew it possessed incredible bones and character, but the kitchen was firmly stuck in the ‘90s. Light vanished against the black granite countertops, the heavy orange cabinets dominated the space, and the tile floors were clearly outdated. While functional, this kitchen was a far cry from the warm, central heart of the home I had envisioned.

Over the ensuing years, we chipped away with small, manageable updates – a coat of paint here, new hardware there – mostly cosmetic changes intended to freshen things up and make the space more livable day-to-day. We always knew these were temporary measures, placeholders until the time was right for a full-scale renovation that was patiently waiting on the horizon. The delay wasn’t just about budget or timing; it was also about tackling the inherent complexities of the space. We weren’t dealing with a simple box. Our kitchen consisted of two awkwardly connected areas, complicated further by the presence of a structural fireplace and a necessary stairwell cutting through the potential footprint.

Untangling this spatial puzzle demanded serious planning: countless sketches, detailed digital models, and honestly, considerable agonizing over how to finally achieve the seamless flow, effortless function, and inviting aesthetic we envisioned within the home's existing constraints. But after years of dreaming, meticulous planning, and careful execution across what ultimately became two major renovation phases to reach this final vision, the dust has finally settled. Now, with the last perfect details in place, I’m absolutely thrilled to pull back the curtain on my own kitchen transformation – get ready for the revealing before-and-afters, the nitty-gritty design decisions, and all those thoughtful touches that truly make this space feel like home.

Let’s Travel Back to the ‘90s

Let's revisit where we started. The original kitchen wasn't terrible, but it lacked personality and felt disconnected from the home's historic soul. The layout felt cramped despite the two adjoining spaces. The work triangle was inefficient, storage was inadequate, and the overall aesthetic felt dark and heavy. The orange hue of the cabinets seemed to clash with everything, and the black granite, while durable, offered no visual relief. It was a space we used, but not one we truly loved spending time in. Documenting the 'before' state wasn't just for the eventual dramatic reveal; it was a crucial part of the design process, helping us pinpoint every pain point we wanted to solve.

Renovation One Begins

By 2017, several years after moving in but still before the full gut renovation was feasible, we reached a point where a more substantial interim update was necessary. The small cosmetic changes weren't cutting it anymore. We added a significantly larger island, providing much-needed prep space and a casual spot for homework or quick meals. The biggest change in this phase was replacing the dated tile floors with warm wood flooring that extended from the adjoining living areas. This single change instantly warmed up the kitchen, made it feel more cohesive with the rest of the house, and was a definite improvement underfoot.

English Cottage Aesthetics in a Modern Kitchen Design

When the moment finally arrived for the complete overhaul, our guiding vision was clear: we wanted to create a highly functional, hardworking kitchen that radiated the cozy, enduring charm of an English cottage, yet seamlessly incorporated the modern conveniences essential for a busy family life. This wasn't about replicating a specific period look, but rather capturing a feeling – warmth, texture, natural materials, collected character, and an inviting atmosphere where everyone felt welcome. We drew inspiration from classic English kitchens known for their practicality, enduring style, and integration of freestanding elements alongside fitted cabinetry.

Central to achieving this vision was the decision to invest in custom cabinetry. While standard cabinets can work well in many situations, the quirks of our space – the odd angles, the need to maximize every inch – demanded a bespoke solution. Custom cabinetry became the true heart of our design, enabling us to tailor storage precisely to our needs, conceal appliances where desired, and dramatically improve the overall flow and ergonomics of the kitchen. This allowed us, as experienced kitchen designers working with Montgomery County home architecture to apply the same principles we use for clients to solve our own spatial challenges effectively.

One of the most significant layout changes involved relocating the refrigerator from its prominent position to the back area. This strategic move allowed us to completely transform that secondary space into a dedicated scullery, complete with a full pantry, coffee bar, and abundant additional storage. This game-changing addition was cleverly made possible by closing off an underutilized window, which gave us the necessary wall space for uninterrupted full-height cabinetry, maximizing vertical storage potential.

The Challenges of Choosing a Cabinetry Color

Here’s a little peek behind the designer curtain… It’s often significantly harder, and certainly more fraught with second-guessing, to make major design decisions for my own home compared to guiding clients through their choices. When working with clients, I can maintain a degree of professional objectivity, helping them clarify their vision and make confident decisions. For myself? The pressure felt immense! Choosing a cabinetry color became an epic saga; something I ruminated over for weeks.

I knew precisely the feeling I wanted: a warm, sophisticated neutral with subtle brown and green undertones. It needed to feel grounded and timeless, not too dark to shrink the space, but not too light to feel washed out. It needed complexity and depth, changing beautifully with the shifting light throughout the day. Easy, right? Wrong. I embarked on what felt like an exhaustive quest, testing countless paint samples. Little patches of potential colors dotted the walls, each scrutinized under morning sun, afternoon glare, and evening artificial light. I considered shades that leaned too beige, too grey, too green, too muddy. Some felt instantly wrong, others tantalized before revealing an unwanted undertone in certain conditions.

In the end, after exploring what felt like every conceivable warm neutral from nearly every paint brand imaginable, I circled back to a color we had previously used and loved: Farrow & Ball Light Gray. Yes, the name is deceptively simple! It was a beautiful, complex neutral that perfectly captured the warm, earthy, slightly green-brown undertones I was seeking. It felt calming, sophisticated, and intrinsically right for the English cottage feel.

Of course, my inner critic immediately piped up. A little voice whispered, "Because you're a designer, shouldn't you choose something unexpected, something more creative or daring?" There was a fleeting pressure to select a color purely for its novelty or design-world cachet. But ultimately, I had to practice what I preach to clients: silence that inner critic and trust what you genuinely love, what feels authentic to you and your home. I leaned into the comfort and proven beauty of light gray, and I couldn’t be happier with the decision. The result is a cabinetry color that feels both timeless and deeply inviting, forming the perfect warm backdrop for the entire kitchen. It’s a testament to the fact that the "right" choice isn't always the most unconventional one, but the one that truly resonates.

Although I used Farrow & Ball paint because it’s my favorite, the Behr Paint Color Visualizer tool was instrumental in helping me nail down the perfect paint color for my kitchen. You can test different colors of paint in sample rooms, or even better, upload a photo of your own room.

Renovation II (My Favorite Part of This Story)

Finally, the time arrived for the renovation we’d been anticipating for years! Demolition day is always a mix of excitement and nerves, revealing the bare bones of a space and paving the way for the new vision. Our established goal remained: a highly functional kitchen embodying English cottage charm with modern amenities. The custom cabinetry, meticulously planned, was installed, immediately defining the new, improved flow and maximizing storage potential. As planned, the refrigerator found its new home in the dedicated scullery area, which now housed the pantry, coffee bar, and crucial overflow storage – a testament to rethinking space utilization.

One of the most impactful upgrades came through the careful selection of materials, each chosen to enhance both the kitchen's beauty and its daily function. We completely fell in love with Danby marble for the countertops. Sourced from Vermont, it boasts gorgeous, soft grey veining that feels both classic and unique. Crucially, compared to many Italian marbles like Calacatta or Carrara, Danby is denser and naturally more resistant to staining – a huge plus for a hardworking family kitchen. Now, let's be honest: it does etch if acidic things like lemon juice or vinegar sit on it. However, we found that a little non-abrasive cleaner like Comet softly buffs out most etches, making it perfectly manageable for us. We embraced the idea that the marble would develop a patina over time, adding to the lived-in character we desired.

The sink area presented a minor spatial challenge, but we turned it into a design opportunity. We opted for a classic fireclay sink with a front apron, adding a substantial, traditional element. To the right of the sink, there was a small, awkward nook – too narrow for a standard cabinet but too valuable to waste. We collaborated with our cabinet maker to design a slim, hinged-door cabinet specifically sized for storing cutting boards, baking sheets, and platters vertically. It’s one of those small, thoughtful custom details that makes daily life significantly easier and utilizes every available inch.

For the backsplash, my heart was set on Zellige tile. These handcrafted Moroccan tiles are celebrated for their subtle color variations, irregular surfaces, and beautiful, light-reflecting glaze. Each tile is unique, lending an incredible depth, texture, and artisanal character to the space. The slight imperfections and nuanced color shifts provide a soft, organic backdrop that perfectly complements the English cottage aesthetic, giving it a timeless, handcrafted charm that feels miles away from mass-produced tile.

The island stands as another favorite element, meticulously crafted from rich walnut wood. Its design intentionally mirrors the vanity in our nearby bathroom renovation, creating a pleasing sense of continuity. The warmth and beautiful grain of the walnut provide a lovely contrast to the painted cabinetry. Functionally, it houses our essential trash and recycling pull-out right near the prep zone – an absolute game-changer for quick cleanup while cooking. We chose an ogee edge profile for the countertop here, adding a touch of classic elegance to its profile. Read more about beautiful and durable countertop design ideas.

Given that the overall space isn't massive, we consciously kept the lighting strategy simple and understated. We selected classic, unobtrusive fixtures above the range and sink – task lighting where needed, without adding visual clutter. Recessed lighting provides general illumination. And while you won't see them in the photos, one of my favorite 'invisible' additions during the renovation was integrating Sonos speakers directly into the ceiling. There’s just something undeniably wonderful about cooking or cleaning up with music filling the space – it elevates the whole experience.

Mixing metals and incorporating modern, high-performance appliances was key to balancing the classic charm with contemporary needs. The unlacquered brass bridge faucet above the sink might just be my single favorite detail. It already started developing a beautiful, rich patina, adding instant character and a sense of history, as if it’s always been there. We upgraded our cooking capabilities significantly with a Café double oven range, which has been an absolute dream for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.

We made the practical decision to keep our existing dishwasher, as it was still working perfectly well. When the time eventually comes for a replacement, however, we’ll opt for a panel-ready model to integrate it seamlessly with the cabinetry. To maintain some continuity (and manage the budget wisely), we kept the same simple, functional window treatments in the front part of the kitchen. Every single detail, from the cabinet hardware to the outlet covers, was carefully considered to ensure the final space feels like a harmonious blend of hard-working function, inviting charm, and enduring, timeless design – a result we strive for as dedicated kitchen designers in Bucks County.

Small Space, Mighty Impact

What was once just the awkward back area housing the fridge is now arguably one of the hardest working zones in our home. Our new scullery is far more than just overflow storage. One side houses the seamlessly integrated refrigerator, a full floor-to-ceiling pantry providing ample food storage, and our beloved coffee bar. We included a clever pull-out shelf within the coffee bar cabinet, making refilling the coffee maker's water reservoir incredibly easy – no more awkwardly pulling the machine out! This seemingly minor feature has genuinely made our morning routine so much smoother.

On the opposite wall of the scullery, we created additional prep space with more counter surface and beautiful glass-fronted upper cabinets (complete with integrated lighting for ambiance and visibility) for storing glassware and serving pieces. Below the counter sits a beverage fridge, perfect for easy access to drinks, and more closed storage. This compact area truly packs a powerful punch, adding invaluable storage and usable counter space that has been a legit game-changer in keeping the main kitchen organized and clutter-free.

Breakfast Nook & A Touch of Modern Contrast

Adjacent to the main kitchen work area is our cozy breakfast nook. We carved out this cozy corner to be more than just a place to eat. It’s where homework happens, coffee is sipped, late-night chats unfold, and family life really lives. With custom bench seating, layered textures, and soft lighting, this nook brings so much warmth and function to the space.

It’s these quiet, intentional corners that truly make a house feel like home. In this connecting space, I consciously wanted to introduce a touch of modern contrast to play against the home's traditional Four Square architecture and the classic elements we incorporated in the kitchen itself. I firmly believe that mixing styles keeps a space feeling dynamic and personal. Here, the juxtaposition comes from pairing a sleek, modern sputnik-style light fixture with our treasured vintage mid-century dining chairs (a lucky find!). This intentional mix – modern lighting illuminating vintage forms against the backdrop of a historic home – keeps the nook feeling fresh, layered, and interesting, yet still fundamentally timeless. It’s a principle often employed by kitchen designers in Philly, using contrast to create energy and highlight unique features.

At Sharp & Grey, we know the heartbreak of falling for furniture that doesn't stand the test of time. We're here to guide you in discovering high-quality furniture and show you the perks of letting a designer handle the procurement process for you. If you’re more DIY, read here about selecting quality furniture for your home.

A Sincere Thank You

Thank you so much for taking the time to tour a space that is truly so close to my heart! Designing my own kitchen, within my own home, was an absolutely incredible journey. It was a process filled, predictably, with endless inspiration hunting, but also with unexpected challenges, necessary compromises, moments of decision fatigue, and ultimately, immense joy and satisfaction. Seeing the complete transformation from the dated 'before' to the final 'after' – a space that now functions beautifully for our family and truly feels like us – has made every single decision, every meticulous detail, feel incredibly meaningful and worthwhile. It's a constant reminder that good design genuinely enhances daily life.

If you live in the area and are dreaming of transforming your kitchen, whether it’s a historic gem or a newer build, our team is here to help. As kitchen designers in Bucks County, Montgomery County, and other Philadelphia & South Jersey neighborhoods, we bring passion, expertise, and a collaborative spirit to every project, helping you navigate the process to create a space you'll love for years to come.

If you’re interested in remodeling or designing your dream kitchen, Contact Us Here.

Talk soon!

Libby

Real Life. Well Designed.

Sharp + Grey Interiors is a full service interior design studio specializing in creating beautiful yet highly livable spaces that feel as curated to how our clients live, as they are to their personal tastes and style. Sharp + Grey offers a wide variety of flexible design options, from full-service interior design where we do it all, to consultations and custom E-design services that give you the ideas or design plans to install your design project yourself. With a focus on creativity and collaboration, Sharp + Grey Interiors can help you create a home you love with fresh and inspired design made for real life.