Before and After: Light, Bright Kitchen

Goldilocks may be a fairy-tale character, but the quest for “just right” inspires many a real-life remodel.

Shortly after moving into their 1941 house in San Carlos, California, Mike Haas and Lisa Porter realized the kitchen just wouldn’t do for their crew: It was too small, too dim, and too bare-bones for Mike’s considerable cooking skills. “We wanted a central open gathering place with casual eating areas, lots of storage, and pro-quality appliances,” Mike says. “All materials would have to stand up to kids, dogs, and assorted mayhem.”

Shown: measuring 155 square feet, the former kitchen was dark, had minimal storage and counter space, and came with basic appliances.

As part of a whole-house renovation that included a second-story addition, architect  appropriated two bedrooms in the back of the house for the new kitchen, which now opens onto a deck with a fully loaded grill island. The kitchen’s bold palette of green, yellow, and blue is tempered by white and off-white painted cabinetry, stone countertops, and wood floors. Now the family can host it all, from ambitious dinner parties to crowd-pleasing barbecues to sleepover breakfasts presided over by the kids, Cameron, 13, and Eli, 12. “We love the freedom and flexibility it offers,” Mike says. “It’s perfect for us.”

Shown: Airy, light—and more than twice the size of its predecessor—the relocated kitchen boasts a pro-style range and acts as command central.

Beadboard warms up the ceiling and is repeated throughout the house.

Conveniently situated near both the mudroom and the dining room, this niche does quadruple duty as a drop zone, charging station, wet bar, and coffee counter. “It’s great to make coffee without getting in the way of other breakfast activities,” Mike says.
Wine fridge:

The island holds shelves for cookbooks and cabinets for cleaning supplies as well as trash and recycling bins. It’s the family’s go-to spot for socializing, snacking, and food prep. Veined soapstone makes for a durable, heat-resistant work surface.
Stone countertop:

With two walls of new windows, the eating area ushers in natural light and views of the outdoors. A U-shaped banquette, softened with cushions, and a table with a live-edge reclaimed-wood top give it a stylish look. This “nook” comfortably seats seven.
Windows:

Outdoor fabric makes sense for seat cushions in a busy family kitchen that’s flooded with natural light. Sturdy and sun-resistant, the fabric wipes clean. Drawers access bonus storage space in the banquette’s base.
Cushion fabric: Boundary in Seagrove;

Oversize 12-by-4-inch glass subway tiles lend a lustrous look that’s modern without being cold.
Backsplash tile: Hampton Tile in Reed;

The grill is on the same level as the kitchen for safety and convenience. It’s built into an island with a fridge, a sink, and storage. Overhead lights and heaters extend its use into the evening year-round. Stepping down the dining area separates it from any meal-prep mess.
Grill:

Shown: A pergola delineates the outdoor cooking zone, filters the sun, and holds task lighting.

A dream grill is key for any cook, but this great outdoor kitchen setup also includes a sink, a prep surface, storage, and an undercounter fridge.

For Mike Haas, Lisa Porter, and their children, Cameron and Eli, the renovated kitchen enables plenty of family fun and socializing with friends.

Two small bedrooms were gutted for the kitchen (and replaced in the new second story).

Relocated and rebuilt, the kitchen now opens onto a grilling deck and gets great light.

1. Gutted most of the interior walls, then ran gas, plumbing, and electrical for the new range, wall ovens, sinks, and refrigerator.
2. Centered a 5-by-10-foot island in the work zone; added a sink, dishwasher, storage, and seating.
3. Put in a door to access the new deck and outdoor kitchen.
4. Built a U-shaped banquette, adding windows on the exterior walls and a half wall on the interior side.
5. Left a wide opening to the hallway, which leads to an office and a first-floor master suite.
6. Fit a wet bar into the space below the new staircase; made a wider opening to the dining room, with no door.