Burdened with heavy white cabinetry and a peninsula that seemed more like a roadblock than a functional space, this kitchen was stuck in the past. Hanging cabinets blocked both light and the surrounding natural views…and let’s not forget the plaid laminate flooring and the nearly invisible cabinet hardware. The limited storage was evident. Small appliances cluttered the counters and drawers so small, you know the homeowners were fighting to pry the drawers open at times due to limited storage space.
According to the homeowner client, Corrie, Mid-Cape Kitchen & Bath Designer Mike Toal not only had the solutions, he also had the puns to match. “Our general contractor Rob Rea was the person to refer us to Mid-Cape’s Kitchen and Bath Design. After we met Mike Toal and we realized the amount of experience and dedication he projected to meeting our needs, we decided to hire Mid-Cape for the project. The experience we had working with Mike was like no other, far exceeding your local hardware stores or online surveys. Mike spent the time doing a consultation and initial design plan with us, then revisiting to go over all the details before the final order and along the way. Mike made time for us that worked for our schedule. He implemented his knowledge of design and configuration that aligned directly with the contractor. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience. He may have even thrown in a dad joke or two!” With his design prowess and endless supply of dad jokes, Mike transformed this outdated space into a bright and timeless kitchen that now serves as the heart of the home.
Gone are the clunky cabinets and obstructive peninsula. In their place, Medallion custom inset cabinets now stand, in a warm white tone, boasting a radiating elegance and endless storage space. Corrie explains her vision for the kitchen ahead of the remodel process: “The design inspirations for the project were modern, clean, and timeless. We really wanted our investment to age with the home but also provide a wow factor with some high-end finishes.” The mixed metals, stainless steel appliances and a farmhouse sink, paired with stunning honey bronze hardware, all create an irresistible recipe of styles.
Mike used tricks like leaving natural wood grain on the interior of the cabinets for a budget-friendly choice that doesn’t compromise on charm and increases functionality to accommodate the family’s lifestyle. “Our kitchen is the heart of our home,” Corrie reflects, “a place to begin and end the day. We opted for a long island with enough seating for our family of four. Having an open concept, we chose to keep a linear design with cabinets and storage along the long walls. The coffee bar with glass cabinets above was a must. We included drawer pull outs for everyday things like trash, recycling and dog food. Hiding the counter appliances in a storage cabinet was a brilliant idea by our designer, and are also displayed in the showroom!”
Additionally, Mike was able to tie in the kitchen with the rest of the home by focusing on the details such as the beautiful crown molding and adding that element into his kitchen design to create a cohesive design feature throughout the home. The dark tile flooring provides a bold contrast to the cabinetry, adding character and depth to the space.
Corrie looks back on her kitchen before, which had been there since the home was originally built in the 1960s. “There are really no words to compare the completely remodeled kitchen. Our entire concept was changed for the best. My favorite is hands-down the 10-foot island and floor-to-ceiling cabinet design.”
When asked to further describe her experience with Mid-Cape’s Kitchen and Bath Design department, she didn’t hesitate. “I’m the biggest fan of Mid-Cape! I’m grateful for the dedicated staff from start to finish. I never felt ignored or abandoned. As many times as we decided to change something, Mike was amazing and allowed us to use our personal creativity while guiding us to a realistic outcome.” Corrie goes on to say she often highly recommends Mid-Cape to her friends and colleagues, and has even posted the photos on her social media profiles.
If you’re a homeowner or building professional looking to work closely with an experienced, talented designer on your upcoming kitchen and bath project, look to Mid-Cape Home Centers. Click here to learn more about our Kitchen & Bath Designers and to request an appointment.