10/09/2026
Not every remodel means tearing everything out.
In this kitchen, the cabinets were in great shape. The layout was the problem. So we solved the layout first and made smart calls on everything else:
* Painted the existing cabinets to match the new custom ones, so we saved what worked and spent the budget where it mattered
* Swapped the over-the-range microwave for a real vent hood, with a built-in microwave below the counter
* Opened up the room into an eat-in kitchen with more storage
Designer tip: before we pick a single finish, we ask how the kitchen needs to work for you. Where do people sit? How do you cook? Where does the microwave make sense? Where’s the storage falling short? Finishes are an exciting part of the process, but they should always complement a functional layout.
Every project in my studio begins with a thoughtful assessment of the floor plan.
Construction: Cooper Homes
After photos: Kim Jones | Austin Interior Photographer
