Killarney Kitchen

We removed the load-bearing wall between the kitchen and dining room, installing a steel LVL beam to preserve structural integrity while opening up sight lines. The new layout features an L-shaped design with a large 9-foot island that seats four – perfect for homework, casual meals, and entertaining.

We chose custom flat-panel cabinetry in soft grey (Sherwin Williams Repose Grey) for a modern, timeless look that won't date quickly. The vertical subway tile backsplash adds visual height and interest, breaking from the traditional horizontal pattern. Durable quartz countertops in Calacatta Laza provide the marble look without the maintenance.

New LED recessed lighting (12 fixtures total) and under-cabinet task lighting banished the shadows forever. We enlarged the window opening and added a garden window above the sink, flooding the space with natural light. The hidden coffee bar with pocket doors was a last-minute addition that became the client's favorite feature.

The kitchen transformation exceeded the clients' expectations. What was once a dark, isolated workspace is now a bright, inviting gathering space that's become the heart of family life. The family reports cooking at home 5x more often and hosting monthly dinner parties – something impossible in the old layout.

The investment also paid off financially. Comparable Killarney homes with updated kitchens are selling for $40,000-$60,000 more than those with original 1990s finishes. Total project cost: $45,000. Estimated value added: $55,000+. ROI: 122%.