A Small Kitchen Transformed - Without Adding A Single Square Foot
As Seen In
We’re thrilled that Apartment Therapy recently spotlighted THIS kitchen remodel — a warm, modern space thoughtfully designed by Melissa Filter and Millicent Murphy of the Meadowlark Design+Build team in the article:
What Colors Go With Brown? 20 Stylish Combinations for Any Room
Read the full feature here on Apartment Therapy.
The Vision
This kitchen remodel aimed to resolve long-standing frustrations in a 1955 home while preserving its character and staying within the existing footprint. After ten years in the home, the homeowners were ready to address a kitchen that lacked function, storage, and flow—transforming it into a space that supported everyday living and reflected their warm, modern aesthetic.
The Results
See how thoughtful design turned a small kitchen into a beautiful, hardworking space. Proof that great remodeling isn’t about size—it’s about vision.
The final result is a dramatically more functional kitchen that feels like a natural extension of the home and its owners.
The refrigerator was relocated to open key circulation paths, while the sink was re-centered beneath the window to improve workflow and symmetry. Removing soffits made room for full-height cabinetry, expanding storage and maximizing vertical space. A new pantry with roll-outs, better cabinet layout, and smart appliance placement resolved the kitchen’s most persistent pain points.
Lighting was layered to improve function and ambiance, while maintaining natural light from the original windows. At the back entry, a former pantry closet was transformed into a built-in mudroom bench with closed storage and a designated drop zone, complete with a charging drawer.
Warm wood accents, slab-front cabinetry, brass finishes, and matte surfaces brought the desired mid-century influence to life. A small open shelving area was thoughtfully integrated to showcase a curated collection of pottery and dishes—pieces acquired through family and travel—adding depth and personality to the space.
The finished kitchen now delivers on both function and feeling: efficient, inviting, and ready for everyday life.
Project Goals
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Resolve layout inefficiencies by improving circulation and making it easier for two people to cook together
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Maximize storage with full-height cabinetry, better use of vertical space, and added pantry capacity
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Preserve original architectural details like wood floors, doors, and windows while integrating modern systems
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Improve lighting through layered solutions that enhance function and mood
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Incorporate a functional drop zone near the back entry with storage, seating, and charging capability
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Reflect the homeowners’ aesthetic with mid-century details, brass accents, and an uncluttered, warm feel
Project Challenges
This kitchen remodeling project presented challenges common to many older homes:
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Inefficient layout and awkward appliance placement
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Limited prep space and wasted walls
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Inadequate lighting and ventilation
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A need to preserve original details while upgrading functionality
Our team approached each challenge with creativity, precision, and relentless communication—hallmarks of how Meadowlark leaves every home better than we found it.
Product Selections
Before Photos
Interested in Meadowlark’s remodeling services? Let’s chat.