A Kitchen Designed for Family
At Plus Interiors, some of our favorite projects aren't just about beautiful finishes or thoughtful layouts; they're about the people who live in them.
When homeowner Susan began planning her renovation, she wasn't looking for a picture-perfect kitchen. She wanted a space that would support her family's everyday routines while being fully functional and utilizing every single space to it’s full potential.
Here's Susan's story.
What was once a dark, deteriorating kitchen is now a calm, functional space designed around how this family actually lives. From the soft upper cabinetry to the warm walnut lowers and custom storage, every detail was thoughtfully designed to bring brightness, ease, and connection to everyday life.
THE BEFORE
Before the remodel, the kitchen no longer supported the needs of the family. The cabinetry was peeling, doors were falling off, and years of wear had left the space feeling heavy and outdated.
"The kitchen was dilapidated, the ‘fake wood’ film was peeling and doors were falling off, and everything had a stench of old wood permeated with grease smell. It really was not functional and the floor looked dated."
Working alongside designer Shannon Ames, the vision was clear from the start, not to change the footprint, but to transform how the space felt and functioned for a busy family with young kids. With one simple goal, to transform the place from old and outdated to…
"Peaceful and soothing … that is functional with maximum storage, easy to keep clean and [tough enough for a busy family with young kids]."
HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON THE OVERALL STYLE?
“Shannon Ames [Our Designer] was very helpful in guiding me in the process. She did all of the heavy lifting with her expertise on materials, fixtures, organizational insert options, and the actual design to make everything fit and functional. Every nook needed to be utilized, so we put inserts in the corner base cabinets to maximize storage. The space had a vaulted ceiling, so we went up as high as possible to add storage cabinets that could be accessible by a step ladder or very tall people which my clients were. And since the upper cabs were tonal, they added texture but blended in with the walls. Even the countertop, a matte grey-green-tone engineered stone, was chosen to add depth and unite the light upper cabs with the dark base cabs…Efficiency and openness in a space that couldn't be opened up due to structural walls posed a challenge, therefore a two-tone kitchen with the wall cabinets- a neutral shade- to almost match the wall color gave the space more breathing room.”
FEATURE: TWO-TONE DESIGN
Because structural walls couldn’t be moved, color did the heavy lifting. Lighter upper cabinets were selected to blend softly into the wall, making the room feel more breathable and open. Tall uppers drew the eye upward, taking full advantage of the vaulted ceilings to create a sense of height and airiness.
The darker walnut lowers grounded the space with warmth — and came with a very practical bonus. “The Caldo (dark walnut) was used for the base cabinets and fridge panel to ground the space with a touch of understated sophistication and contrast. The dark walnut was especially practical because it served to camouflage toddler handprints.”
FEATURE: MAXIMIZING EVERY INCH
Storage and functionality were central to the redesign. Corner cabinet inserts, tall upper storage, and customized organization systems helped create a kitchen that feels clean and intentional , without sacrificing usability.
"Every nook needed to be utilized."
FEATURE: THE CUSTOM BAKING STATION
One of the most personal details in the kitchen is the custom bakery tray organizer next to the refrigerator — requested specifically because the homeowner loves to cook and bake. The walnut panel surrounding the refrigerator gives the appliance a built-in feel while visually tying into the adjacent tray storage.
"I have a cookie sheet organizer in my home that some of my friends who are chefs have complimented…My client cooks and bakes a lot and she specifically asked for it."
FEATURE: A SPACE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
A previously underutilized window was transformed into a pass-through counter — a spot where meals are prepared, baking happens together, and kids can comfortably pull up a seat.
"Kids could then help Mom bake and cook easily or eat meals at the counter."
The finished kitchen now feels dramatically different from the original space — not just visually, but emotionally. It feels calmer, more usable, and more connected to the rhythms of daily life.
WHY SUPPORTING LOCAL MATTERS
Beyond the design, one of the biggest takeaways from this renovation was the value of working with a local team.
In Susan’s words:
"You always hear about the importance of supporting local businesses, but no one talks much about how they support us back… Plus Interiors quickly supplied the needed extras so our install could be completed without delay… There is no way I could have pulled off such a quick renovation without your backing me up with the beautiful cabinets — delivered quickly and on time!… You can’t beat local manufacturing speed, quality, and service."
MEET THE DESIGNER
This kitchen transformation was designed by Shannon Ames, one of the talented designers at Plus Interiors. Shannon’s approach focuses on creating spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful — designed around the way real families actually live.
More than a remodel, this project became a reminder that thoughtful design and local craftsmanship can create spaces that truly support the people who live in them.
Mahālo, Susan, for trusting Plus Interiors with your home and sharing your story with us.