Reynolds Kitchen

Before the remodel, this kitchen was not functioning well for the homeowners’ needs. Initially there was limited prep space, a small 2-person island, an unused knee-hole desk, a small pantry, and cabinets that were more decorative than functional. The space was inefficient but full of potential for a dramatic update. 

The goals for the renovation? To install a larger island to allow for more seating and counter space, and to improve storage capacity and organization. Also, to open up the space and allow better flow into the sunroom where the homeowners enjoy spending most of their time.

ICON Custom Builders collaborated with Clark and Clark Interiors to accomplish this stunning kitchen renovation. We partnered to transform a dated, dark kitchen into a bright, modern cooking and gathering space.

Every renovation presents unique challenges. “While the end result looks seamless, the steps behind the scenes were more extensive than one might think,” project manager Douglas Brown shared. 

In this case, the electrical meter for the home needed to be relocated. This required coordination with multiple parties – Duke Energy, ICON’s construction team, the electrician, and the homeowner who was still living at home during the renovation. This meter relocation meant the house was without power while the work was being performed. “I am proud to say we were able to turn this electrical meter move around within just one day,” Douglas added.

To accommodate the new kitchen layout, an exterior wall had to be extended 3 feet. This required guidance from a structural engineer to ensure ceiling joists were supported in the right way to be able to carry the load from upstairs. We ended up installing a steel beam in the ceiling to distribute the weight from a load-bearing wall. 

Juggling all of these details is a benefit of working with a full-service design-build firm like ICON. Through expert communication and coordination, the work was completed in a way that was least disruptive to the homeowner.

To address the homeowners’ wishlist, the kitchen layout had to be reimagined. As described above, the area containing the original island and desk was extended to match the exterior side wall and to align with the breakfast room. This allowed for a larger island and double the seating capacity. 

Additionally, the team added an 8 ft. section of full-height cabinetry to optimize pantry and utility storage. Here, oak reeded fronts add texture and create a sharp contrast to the surrounding white cabinets. 

Natural light pours in from the modern tall window, as opposed to the small window that existed previously. The prep sink, which moved below the window, takes advantage of the view. 

The new beverage bar doubles as a coffee and smoothie station. Its position away from the main cooking area creates a designated zone and eliminates crossover traffic. This strategic placement allows each space to operate independently, improving the flow for daily life and entertaining.

On the other side of the kitchen, some existing upper cabinets were removed in an effort to open up the wall and create a more inclusive feeling between the kitchen and sunroom. The transition is seamless and allows for convenient conversation between the two spaces.

Every part of this kitchen renovation project was planned with the homeowners’ lifestyle in mind – from the beverage fridge to the overflow storage for bulky items and the file cabinet that contains everyday paperwork. This thoughtful plan guarantees a home for every item, easy maintenance, and reduced visual clutter.

A clear design vision carries through every aspect of this kitchen transformation. Take the wooden accents for example – the oak reeded fronts on the pantry/utility cabinetry, the glass door cabinetry with a contrasting oak interior, and the open corner shelving for display. Designer Lynne Clark added, “we carried the oak into the main kitchen area with a reeded custom hood.” 

In a very modern kitchen design, these wooden details ground the space. Nickel and brass finishes add warmth. New sinks and appliances like the Sub-Zero fridge and Wolf dual fuel range improve efficiency. All of these intentional details combine to create a refreshingly balanced space that is equally beautiful and functional.

We are thrilled that the homeowners trusted ICON with this transformation, and we were excited to partner with Clark and Clark Interiors to bring the homeowners’ vision for this kitchen to life.