FULLERTON TRANSITIONAL BLACK & WHITE L-SHAPE KITCHEN & HOME REMODEL WITH CUSTOM WHITE CABINETS

A Fullerton household was oppressed by dated oak wood installations and other design motifs that had long since gone out of style. APlus was called in to brighten up the entire home through a modern renovation.

Before

When the family moved into this house, they were met with rooms full of old oak. The kitchen cabinets, hallway storage, staircase, bookshelves, and bathroom drawers - all of it was made out of this severely dated wood. There was also far too little light, both in color and illumination, throughout the home. This left most rooms feeling gloomy. We immediately set to work on overhauling this dwelling’s design with a transitional style so that it could become a vibrant, pleasant place to live.

Restructuring

Our first task was settling on a color theme that could work for the entire house. With some advice from our expert interior designers, the homeowners chose a black, white, and gray palette that would instantly upgrade the look from drab to chic.

Because of the openness it provided, the owners wanted to keep the original layout of the L-shaped kitchen, which included a large square island in the center. We completely rebuilt the cabinets, eliminating the formerly wasted space above by extending them to the ceiling. The border was given a polished finish with crown moulding. The cabinets were built in a Euro style out of antique white maple, with Victorian doors and domestic maple plywood interiors.

Posts were affixed to the outer sides of the black island to provide legroom for seats. Some of the cabinets were set with glass panels to show off the owners’ collection of fine dinnerware. At the corner, a fold-out cabinet door conceals deep, wide shelves augmented with lazy suzans. Next to the stove are spice pull-outs and narrow racks that store all cooking supplies within easy reach. Beneath the upper cabinets we installed lighting to ensure that the kitchen didn’t have any of the dreariness of the original design.All countertops are a smooth, pristine white, infusing a modern influence into the space.

We lowered the seat section in front of the window to make the nook feel even cozier. The two large drawers at its base give extra storage options.

Appliances

Our clients chose to go with a suite of appliances from Thermador, one of the premier industry brands. APanel Ready 24” Dishwasher was disguised to blend in with the cabinetry, minimizing the disruption of the kitchen’s new design. To the left of the 18” Built In Freezer Column combined with a 30” Built In Fresh Food Column is a 30” Professional Series Double Oven, set into the cabinets. On the adjacent side of the kitchen is a 48” Professional Series Rangetop, above which can be found a 54” Professional Custom Insert ventilator. The island features a large double-bowl undermount sink in a sleek black finish.

Bathrooms

   

The bathrooms were transformed from mediocre to sophisticated. In the smaller bathroom, chic gray cabinetry was mounted by marbled white countertops and a vanity sink with glistening silver fixtures. Another large bathroom now flaunts the same look. In the master bathroom, white cabinetry with the same fixtures and countertops contrasts with the new black walls. The arched alcove containing the recessed spa tub is faced with elegant full-height marble tiles. We also built additional shelving and cabinetry in this bathroom for extra storage.

Hallway

The main hall was lined with large oak cabinets that spanned from the floor to the ceiling. Since they didn’t blend in with the surrounding walls, the wood cabinets made the space look narrower. We gave it a neater, more spacious look by installing white cabinets and drawers.

Living Room

One of the most dramatic changes took place in the living room. Cluttered and bereft of style, the TV had to be mounted off to the side thanks to the awkward placement of the fireplace. We extended the dark hardwood floors of the kitchen into here, and did a total rebuild of the fireplace and entertainment center, combining them into a single graceful structure that’s easy on the eyes.

Closets

As is typical in older houses, the original closets only had a few wood rods for hanging clothes, nothing more. We made a custom closet construction, complete with many layers of shelves, drawers, and hanging racks, in a beautiful espresso brown hue.

Would you like to renovate your Orange County home? Whether you live in Fullerton or any of the other region’s neighborhoods, we can help! Contact our professional contracting team today.

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San Clemente White Transitional U-Shaped Kitchen

A youthful family of five felt that their home’s kitchen was too stuffy and dated to fit their energetic vibe. We helped them create a fresh new kitchen and other additions to their home so that they could enjoy it comfortably.

Before

The owners were very unsatisfied with the original kitchen, which was covered floor to ceiling with old oak cabinets. The muddled tone of the brown granite countertops and the floor tiles combined with the oak to make a look that was trendy only a decade or two ago. There were also no casual seating options, meaning that the family had to sit down at the formal dining table every time they ate - not an ideal option with multiple young children.

Restructuring

After learning how affordable our complete renovation packages were, the owners decided to go for a full kitchen remodel rather than just refacing the old cabinets. Our architects and interior designers worked with them to plan a whole new look and layout. Once a U-shaped construction was decided upon, we began building the new custom cabinets. Paint grade maple cabinets were built in a creamy white Swiss Coffee finish with Shaker doors and Seeded Glass Panels. We painted the interiors of the cabinets to match so that the fresh, clean style was consistent. Layered crown molding gave the cabinets a classic, polished look. To get a transitional look, we went with shiny stainless steel handles and knobs, matching all of the new appliances, light fixtures, and aluminum chairs which were placed around the the long center island. The island serves as a much-needed casual dining spot, as does the new built-in bench at the breakfast nook. A full-height tile backsplash was installed on most of the kitchen’s wall-space to add dimension, keeping the monochrome color palette from feeling too simplistic. 1 ½” Straight edge Panel Quartz countertops were installed in a snowy Venatino Polished finish. Johnson Hardwood floors from the English Pub collection in Maple Handcrafted Stout provide a warm-toned base to add further visual interest.

Appliances

In keeping with the new transitional style, the owners chose all stainless steel appliances. A U-Line Wine Captain Cooler was set at the end of the cabinets on the left side, while further to its right, a GE Profile Series 1 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave Oven was mounted in the upper cabinet construction. A Kitchen Aid Side-by-Side Refrigerator was placed flush among the cabinets. Next to it can be found Kitchen Aid 30” Electric Built-In Single and Double Ovens. At the back of the kitchen, we installed a Windster RA-77 Wall Hood to provide ventilation for the range top beneath it.

Living Room & Entertainment Center

Bulky oak cabinets could also originally be found in the living room, in the form of a large entertainment center built-into the wall. We completely renovated this piece, creating a much more streamlined piece of storage that could display their TV with minimal distraction. The new entertainment center has the same white Swiss Coffee finish as the kitchen cabinetry.  

Stairs

The old stairs had a dated look: 90’s style carpet, white balusters, and golden oak trim. To get a more modern look, we went with a black and white color scheme. The carpet was removed, and both the stairs and trim were painted black. The balusters were left a crisp, clean white.

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Huntington Beach Traditional 2-section white & brown kitchen remodel with custom cabinets

A Huntington Beach home’s kitchen and dining room had an overbearing ambience that was in drastic need of repair. APlus was entrusted to update the areas with a dramatic renovation.

Before

Prior to our remodel, this kitchen and dining room served as great examples of how going bold can go bad. The kitchen area was overwhelmed by bulky wood cabinetry taking up almost every inch of space, and the hot pink walls of the dining room clashed with the antique chandelier, table, chairs, and frames. The two rooms were completely separated by walls and doors, making the rooms feel smaller and increasing the difficulty of entertaining dinner guests.  

Restructuring

Our renovation process started by knocking out a big portion of the wall between the dining room and kitchen. This transformed the rooms into one. We then did an overhaul by taking out all old cabinets and building anew Euro style maple cabinets with Craftsman doors and melamine interiors - creating a traditional look. Some are inset with frosted glass panels. All of the perimeter cabinets were finished with Whisper White paint, while the two islands were finished in a dark Espresso Brown. The pale hue of the perimeter makes the room look more fresh and open - a far cry from the dark and cluttered original design. Dark knobs and drawer pulls gives a sophisticated style by contrasting with these light cabinets and blending with the dark ones. To add extra polish, the upper and lower cabinets alike are trimmed by refined moulding. For the countertops, our clients selected square edged Pental Quartz in an earth-toned Carrara finish. The first section of the kitchen is designed to be where most of the everyday cooking and dining takes place. Since the owners had little use of the old formal dining room, we gave them a casual alternative by making this section’s island double as a bar with ample seating. On the far side of the island, we built in a myriad of drawers and cabinets to contain dishes, liqueurs, and other accessories. There are also decorative carvings that instill a subtle touch of class. Before the renovation, this area had a large recessed ceiling from which hung an unwieldy pot-rack. The ceiling is now even and the rack was replaced with minimalistic recessed lighting. On the back wall, the wall space between the upper and lower cabinets is dressed up with a neutral tile backsplash that features a few tasteful accents. Instead of encumbering the left wall with more cabinetry before, we opened up the entire length by installing a long folding back door with ceiling-height glass panels that give a full view of the backyard. This door can be opened completely to make the room into an open-air kitchen. Even when closed, it lets in so much light that it’s impossible for the kitchen to look anything but bright and inviting. Moving into the second section of the kitchen, the former dining room, you can see some of our best custom cabinetry work. The island features ornamental carvings below the countertop, and the window section is shaded by an elegant arch. Below it, the sink is bolstered by posts that feature subtle decorative flourishes. To the right, even more of this decorative detail appears in the custom carvings of the ventilation hood casing, and the posts framing the rangetop below it. Above the rangetop is a gorgeous custom floral mosaic, composed with colorful, glossy tiles. As in the first section of the kitchen, the wall space between all of the upper and lower cabinets features the same chic backsplash.  

Appliances

On the back wall of the kitchen’s first section, we placed the GE Monogram Free-Standing Side-by-Side Refrigerator to the right of the under-counter microwave which is installed flush with the surrounding drawers. To the left is a small stainless steel undermount sink. The adjacent wall has the Thermador 30” Professional Series Stainless Steel Combination Oven with Convection Microwave built right into its full-height cabinetry, and the center island contains a small wine refrigerator. The kitchen’s second section has a Thermador Emerald 24” Dishwasher which has been paneled on the front to blend in with the surrounding cabinets. It sits next to the large stainless steel apron-front farmhouse sink. Within the custom wood casing of the right wall we placed a state of the art Windster Hood, which will deftly dispense with all smoke and steam created from cooking on the new Thermador 36” Professional Series Rangetop below.  

Staircase

We kept the old staircase, but removed the kitschy red velvet step coverings. The new bare look of the steps is much more stately and fitting with the elegant appearance of the rest of the home. Since the backside of the staircase is now more visible thanks to knocking out portions of the old dining room’s walls, it now becomes a stunning architectural feature of the kitchen’s second section, rather than an awkward intrusion. Dramatic renovations like this can take place in any home - even yours! If you’d like to get a beautiful remodel of your Orange County abode, contact APlus today!

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Lake Forest Contemporary Brown Whole House Remodel

The owners of this Lake Forest home had a young family, and they wanted a home that could more easily accommodate both their sense of style and a familial atmosphere.

Before

The living room had levels of sunken flooring, which was a safety hazard for their young children. A wall also separated the kitchen from the living room, making it so that whoever was cooking couldn't still interact with or keep an eye on the children. The kitchen didn't offer much storage or working  space. In the bathrooms, dated motifs characterized the overall look.

Restructuring

To maximize the feel of spaciousness and give a line of sight to the dining area and living room, we knocked out the separating wall in the kitchen and placed in a large corner support beam. A large window formerly took up a great deal of wall space next to the sliding door. Our team patched in the old window, prepping a solid wall that cabinets and counters could be built against. Pacific Treasures Pebble Beach maple flooring replaced the old tile, giving a slightly rustic influence to the new design. We abandoned the old wall-hugging layout, instead installing new cabinetry to create a G-shaped kitchen. The clients chose Euro Face & Frame style custom cabinets in maple with Shaker doors. A deep Elegant Brown finish and stainless steel bar handles on all the drawers and doors established a sleek yet warm contemporary aesthetic. In some of the cabinet doors, glass panes were inlaid so that dishes could be easily seen. On the dining-room side of the support beam, the glass paneled doors put the owner’s fine china collection on display. A stout island with storage was placed in the center of the kitchen to add workspace. It and the rest of the surfaces were fixed with Pental Quartz countertops in a pale Canyon Polished finish and 1 ½” Single Beveled edge. On the back wall, a Unicorn tile backsplash adds extra texture to the kitchen’s look.

Appliances

All new appliances chosen for the kitchen feature a stainless steel finish. A Sub-Zero Built-In Over-and-Under with French Door Refrigerator was placed amid the cabinets against the wall where the old window formerly was. To the right, a KOHLER Stages Undercounter Stainless Steel 33” Single Bowl Kitchen Sink faces a bright backyard window. The AJ Madison Dishwasher sits between the sink and the new Wolf 36” Gas Cooktop, which is topped by a Wolf 36” Cooktop Wall Ventilation Hood. Set within the corner support beam is a Wolf L Series 30” Built-In Single Oven and Microwave.

Living Room

We raised sunken flooring and replaced the old tile with the same maple flooring found in the kitchen. All of the drywall was patched up to ensure clean borders. We also installed a wall mount for the owner’s large flat-screen TV.

Fireplace

We covered the old brick fireplace construction with drywall and created a more modern looking mantel out of sleek gray tiles and a thick wooden shelf. Since the fireplace is located in the family room, the mantel shelf serves as a great new spot to display favorite toys.  

Bathrooms

The bathrooms were outfitted to have the same cabinetry and countertops as the kitchen. Large seamless mirrors were placed in, as well as updated light fixtures. In the master bathroom, we built a new shower enclosure with glass walls and a tile backsplash. It also features a multi-shelf built-in soap niche.   Are you looking to transform your home as dramatically as this Lake Forest Orange County residence? Get in touch with APlus today to recruit a team of professional home remodeling contractors.

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Dove Canyon Traditional Brown U-Shaped Kitchen Remodel with Custom Hood

Sitting on the edge of the wild expanse that is the Cleveland National Forest, this Dove Canyon home deserved an updated look inspired by the woods.

Before

When we were first called in, our team was met with a gray and white kitchen that didn't make the best use of space. Appliances were stuffed in between bulky cabinets that didn't have efficient shelving - something that was a big inconvenience for the owners. A peninsula bar area also created a barrier that separated the kitchen from the living area, stifling the flow of the space. We were tasked with not only giving the kitchen a warmer look, but improving the layout and storage options as well.

Restructuring

We started by knocking out all of the original structures in the kitchen, including the peninsula bar. This freed up the room to create a more open U-shaped layout. We also installed new bay windows, which let in far more light and added more visual space. The owners wanted a contrast between warm wood cabinetry and something lighter, so we went with a light color scheme for the base of the new large kitchen island, and a medium brown finished maple for the rest of the cabinets. The traditional cabinets were built with a Euro & Face Frame style, with Nadia doors. All of the drawers and cabinets were given dark knobs and handles to be in keeping with the earthy color palette. The countertops were made out of Bedrosians granite in a Typhoon Bordeaux finish with a 1 ½” Double Ogee Edge. In the kitchen island facing the stove, a series of spice and can racks were installed for easy access while cooking. Beneath the new stove top, we put in large, deep drawers that now hold all of the owner’s cooking pans. To the right is a pull-out rack for cooking oils and sauces, and to the left, a folding corner cabinet contains lazy susans that prevent the need for digging through the storage. Above the stove area we built a 66” long custom wooden hood in an industrial style. This stately piece serves as the focal point of the kitchen. Beneath it, a Durango tile backsplash was placed on the wall to add even more character. Additional shelving was placed atop the section were the new oven and microwave now sit. The vertical shelves enable easy grabbing and sorting.

Appliances

To achieve a cohesive look for the kitchen, all of the appliances were chosen from the GE Monogram® collection, in a stainless steel finish. The custom hood construction was outfitted with a 36" Custom Hood Insert. Beneath it, a new 36" Professional Gas Rangetop with 6 Burners serves as the stove. On the right side of the kitchen, the cabinets were built to sit flush around a 42" Built-In Professional Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Dispenser and Water Filter, and the stacked Built-In Advantium Microwave Oven and GE Monogram 30” Built-In Single Oven that lie next to it.

Wine Cabinet

Just outside the kitchen was a small alcove the owners wanted to turn into a wine area. We slightly recessed the wall to make room for a robust wine cabinet, custom-built to match the medium brown wood of the kitchen’s cabinetry. In the center was placed a GE Monogram Wine Reserve with Liquid Crystal Privacy Glass. The countertop provides plenty of room for serving wine. The beautiful results of this Dove Canyon Orange County kitchen renovation can be achieved in your home as well. Contact APlus Interiors & Design today to get a quote for your remodel. Check out the video tour of this beautiful kitchen remodel as well:

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