A Fresh Start from the Ground Up
Located in the quiet suburban charm of Vernon, CT, this project is a remarkable example of turning a structural necessity into a remodel opportunity.
Following a challenging foundation issue that affected many homes in the area, the homeowners decided to take the leap and transform their 1990s-era kitchen into a modern masterpiece.
Their first step? Ditch the restrictive walls of their old space to let the kitchen breathe. Merging these rooms instantly flooded the space with light, turning a once-cramped layout into the vibrant, open-concept canvas they’ve always wanted.
Choosing the Local Advantage
Worried about the lack of aftercare and poor communication of big-name, big box options, the clients decided to stay local. They chose Dean Cabinetry because of the reliability and personal touch that comes with a family business.
The Details
The material selection for this Vernon kitchen remodel centerpieces the stock, Tribeca cabinet line, featuring the Southampton door style — a skinny shaker style that brings a fresh feel to the space.
The clients opted for a bold, two-tone aesthetic that defines the modern “tuxedo” style: crisp Snow White upper and perimeter cabinetry paired with a deep, wood-grained Carbon Black Oak island. This contrast is softened by the warmth of natural wood flooring and tied together by elegant white quartz countertops with subtle grey veining.
The Ultimate Centerpiece
The true workhorse of the kitchen is the massive central island, which was engineered to provide an expansive, uninterrupted workspace perfect for meal prep and casual dining.
The client integrated a high-performance appliance suite, including a Samsung Family Hub refrigerator and a GE stainless steel double-oven range paired with a GE chimney-style hood. The cleanup zone is anchored by a GE dishwasher and a deep Kraus stainless steel undermount sink, ensuring the space is as functional as it is beautiful. This combination of classic cabinetry and cutting-edge technology perfectly reflects the home’s transition into a modern, open-concept sanctuary.
Navigating the Renovation Journey
While the journey faced the typical hurdles of a major renovation—including coordinating complex installation schedules and fine-tuning measurements around the high-tech appliance suite—the Dean team remained committed to the final vision. Dean Cabinetry worked closely with the clients to pivot through changes and ensure that every detail met our standards for quality and aesthetics.
The final outcome is a dramatic departure from the original 1991 footprint. The homeowners particularly love the new sense of scale; by removing the walls, the kitchen now feels twice its original size and gets lots of light. The standout favorite is undoubtedly the black oversized island, which anchors the room and offers the perfect vantage point for the rest of the home.
Built to Last
Despite the initial challenges of a foundation-up renovation, the result is a resilient, stylish, and highly functional space that the family can enjoy for decades to come!
Interested in a kitchen like this? Contact us today!