The blending of families often comes with a whole new set of needs, and one of the first places those needs become apparent is in the kitchen. A space that once served a smaller household now needs to support the hustle and bustle of a busy, growing family. For one blended family living in an old farmhouse, this meant reimagining their outdated kitchen to meet the demands of their combined kids, their love for cooking and entertaining, and their vision for a more functional home.
At Ken Spears Construction, we were thrilled to help this family create a kitchen that not only works for their current lifestyle, but also reflects their desire for more space, better flow, and modern style. They dreamed of a space where everyone could gather, cook, and make memories together—without feeling cramped or overwhelmed by clutter.
Overview
When the family approached us to renovate their old farmhouse kitchen in Dekalb, IL, they had a clear vision in mind. The existing kitchen was simply too small and cramped to accommodate their active household, and the outdated style no longer reflected their family’s needs. With a desire for more space, better organization, and a refined aesthetic, they turned to the team at Ken Spears Construction to bring their dream kitchen to life.
The project involved much more than a simple update. The family needed a complete transformation to bring their kitchen into the present while expanding it to support their growing needs. Our team worked closely with them to design a space that provides ample storage, an open layout for socializing and cooking, and a fresh, updated aesthetic.
With a thoughtful expansion and a carefully crafted new layout, we were able to turn their kitchen into the heart of the home it was meant to be: a functional, stylish space where the whole family can gather, create meals together, and enjoy the comfort of a space that truly fits their life.
Challenges for the Homeowner
As a blended family, the clients’ main pain points included the cramped kitchen layout, lack of storage, and an overall style that felt outdated. They wanted to create a kitchen that would serve as the vibrant heart of their home—a place for gathering, cooking, and entertaining their growing family. Specific objectives included expanding the footprint, adding a large central island with plenty of seating, incorporating ample storage solutions, and updating the overall aesthetic to better reflect their personal style and family lifestyle.
How We Helped Them Reach Their Objectives
To address the client’s needs, we began by the kitchen remodeling process by building a 5’x15′ kitchen addition on the north side of the existing space. This not only increased the overall square footage but also allowed us to design a more functional layout. We removed the soffits, allowing us to install wall cabinets that extend all the way to the ceiling for maximum storage—perfect for keeping this busy family organized.
The new kitchen features a thoughtful blend of finishes and materials. The base cabinets feature rustic maple wood with a Barnwood stain, while the wall cabinets open up the space in bright Decora White. Sherwin Williams’ Riverway, a deep, cool blue with green undertones, anchors the island as a focal point without dominating the space. Caesarstone Frosty Carrina quartz countertops provide a durable and elegant surface that will withstand the demands of kids. A Kohler Whitehaven farmhouse sink, Moen Paterson matte black faucet, and traditional-style pot filler add to the refined, yet farmhouse-inspired aesthetic
Project Images
Project Highlights
The large island is the true centerpiece of the space, offering ample seating and storage for this active family. The island cabinets, painted in a rich, earthy tone, provide the perfect balance to the lighter perimeter cabinetry. The Soho Studio Myorka White 4×4 tile backsplash adds a subtle yet elegant touch, while the new windows and sliding glass door flood the room with natural light. A soothing grey-blue, Sherwin Williams’ Lullaby, graces the kitchen walls, echoing the island’s colorway.
Design Elements Used
- Built a 5’x15′ addition on the existing kitchen
- New layout for better workflow and functionality
- Removed soffits to allow wall cabinets to go to the ceiling
- Replaced all cabinets and countertops
- Added a large pantry and 2 closets for abundant storage
- Large new island with double deep cabinets and seating
- Installed large windows and a sliding glass door for natural light
- New backsplash tile for a refined, farmhouse-inspired aesthetic
Create A Space That Fits Your Life
This kitchen renovation is a testament to the expertise and dedication of the Ken Spears Construction team. By carefully addressing the needs of this growing blended family, we were able to create a space that not only meets their practical requirements but also reflects their personal style and lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to update your outdated kitchen, expand your living space, or breathe new life into your home, Ken Spears Construction brings your vision to life.
Browse our portfolio, explore our blog for design inspiration and tips, and schedule your complimentary in-home consultation today. Let us help you create a home that fits your lifestyle and meets your needs!
