Our clients were excited to remodel their kitchen, dining, and family room in Walnut Creek, California, with the goal of creating a more open, functional, and calming home. The original kitchen was small and enclosed, with dark cabinetry and a peninsula that limited movement between the kitchen, dining room, and family room.
To transform the layout, we removed a structural wall between the kitchen and dining room, opening the space and significantly improving circulation throughout the main living areas. The new design emphasizes simplicity, balance, and function through a Japandi-inspired aesthetic, a style that blends the warmth and craftsmanship of Japanese design with the coziness and practicality of Scandinavian interiors. Relaxing, practical, and minimalist were the guiding principles for this remodel.
Rift cut white oak cabinetry by Nickels Cabinetry is a defining feature of the kitchen and pairs beautifully with white oak hardwood flooring. Clean, elegant Cambria quartz countertops extend up the wall to the open shelving, eliminating upper cabinets in favor of a lighter, more streamlined look. A custom island features a striking open-ended black accent niche, adding contrast and visual interest.
Matte black details tie the space together, including cabinet hardware, the wall oven and steam oven, the induction cooktop, and the French doors in the dining room. Sleek stainless steel appliances, including a Zephyr range hood and a KitchenAid counter-depth French door refrigerator, complete the serene yet highly functional kitchen. In the family room, we added custom cabinetry and shelving on either side of the fireplace for additional storage and cohesion.
The kitchen remodel, including structural engineering, flooring, all new baseboards and casing, and updates to the dining and family rooms, was completed with an investment range of $230,000–$240,000.
