A 16-Foot Kitchen Island Transforms the Space
A Wauwatosa family contacted us for help with their interior remodeling project. They wanted to update their kitchen and breezeway. This project had some unique challenges, with a tight entryway and galley-style kitchen. The goals of this home remodeling project were: open the entry from the breezeway, create an open kitchen/dining room, and create a family-friendly space.
Open the Entry
The first goal was to open the tight and narrow entryway from the three-season breezeway. This doorway was the main entry into the house from the garage and driveway. It was often crowded with guests, making it difficult for removal of shoes and coats, especially in the winter months. A more open concept was achieved by removing a small coat closet and built-in china hutch. Vintage tile is used in the entryway providing a clear entry and transition zone between the kitchen and living room areas. Luxury vinyl planking with an aged shiplap-look was chosen for the kitchen and lounging area.
Combine the Kitchen & Dining Room
The second goal was to combine the kitchen and dining room for one open space. The kitchen was a cramped galley-style and original to the 1941 home. The dining room was adjacent but totally cut off from the kitchen by a hallway. They wanted to have more openness to watch their growing family while working in the kitchen but to also have an entertaining space.
The new design combines the entryway, living room, kitchen and dining room. The 16-foot island is much more than base cabinets and a seating area. The island includes the dishwasher, trash pullout, a drawer microwave, farmhouse sink and nine drawers for storing dishes, bowls and servingware.
Create a Family Friendly Space
The final goal of this kitchen renovation was to create a family-friendly space. The island includes seating at the far end, providing a sunny area for eating and a place for their children to do their homework. The homeowners installed new windows as part of this project, so they wanted to have an unobstructed view of their large backyard. A new doorway was added to provide access to a future patio area behind the home.
Homeowner Review
“From the first meeting with our designer, daily interactions with the skilled workers, and of course the final results, we knew we were working with the best. Every individual we interacted with was professional, friendly, on time, and clearly amazingly skilled in what they did. We had workers in our home on a daily basis for roughly 7 weeks, it was as if they became a part of the family! Everyone at Kowalske made the process and stress of a major project very easy to manage and we are absolutely IN LOVE with our new kitchen. We will have more projects in the future and there is no question as to who we will work with.”
– Lindsay, Wauwatosa homeowner (Yelp Review)
Kitchen Remodeling Inspiration
- Reasons to Remodel Your Kitchen
- Read about our design-build remodeling process
- Check out what our customers are saying about Kowalske
- Get inspired by our Before/After Gallery
Project Details
Project Year: 2019
Location: Wauwatosa
Updates Included: Kitchen, Dining Room & Breezeway
Features: 16-foot Island, Shaker Cabinetry, Quartz Counters, Tiled Backsplash, Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring, Porcelain Tile Flooring (Entry), New Doorway & Pendant Lighting
Estimated Cost: $82,000 – $92,000
