sink base of white cabinets with granite countertopsink base of white cabinets with granite countertop

The original kitchen layout was miserable – the only way to load the dishwasher was to block the range, those sitting at the bar were staring at low-hanging peninsula cabinets, and soffits ate up potential storage space. The decor? 1980s oak cathedral-door cabinets and cluttered chipped-laminate countertops. It still took 12 years for CliqStudios designer Angela Nguyen to convince her aunt Sheryl to fully remodel her kitchen.

1980s kitchen with cathedral door oak cabinets1980s kitchen with cathedral door oak cabinets
This 1980s kitchen suffered from an inefficient layout and dated decor.

Angela notes that the average homeowner remodels a kitchen 1.5 times, and Sheryl’s 2004 project, painting the cabinets and countertops – was a classic .5 remodel. The kitchen now had a new look, but the layout was as inefficient and awkward as ever.

painted kitchen cabinets with cathedral doors in two-tone scheme with wallpaper trimpainted kitchen cabinets with cathedral doors in two-tone scheme with wallpaper trim
Painting cabinets and countertops did nothing to solve the poor layout.

Twelve years later Sheryl was finally convinced to consider new cabinets. Sheryl is, however, a frugal shopper, and checked out numerous cabinet sellers for price, quality and options. When she returned to CliqStudios , she was well-informed and ready to get started.

white kitchen cabinets under sink with stainless dishwasher and drawer basewhite kitchen cabinets under sink with stainless dishwasher and drawer base
Relocating the dishwasher solved the access issue and left space by the range for wide pot-and-pan drawers.

Angela created a design that vastly improved the efficiency of the space and opened it up to the living area. The footprint is the same, but what a difference! Moving the dishwasher not only relieved the congestion, but made way for wide pot-and-pan drawers by the range. Cabinets rise to the ceiling, providing ample storage for occasional-use items.

full view of g-shaped kitchen with white shaker cabinetsfull view of g-shaped kitchen with white shaker cabinets
Open to the living area, the kitchen is now light, bright and welcoming.

The design is based on white Shaker cabinets (CliqStudios Shaker style), chosen for their crisp, clean look. Granite counters (color,Pebble Rock), strand-woven Antiqued Harvest bamboo floors, and Ice White ceramic subway tile complete the style. To read more, visit designer Angela’s blog

Painting cabinets can provide a temporary refresh. If you are considering painting or refacing, we suggest you read the Cabinet Refacing Guide, which includes a checklist for evaluating your options.