No Demo Reno Kitchen
Have you ever wanted to change your home’s interior spaces, but not go through months of construction? Wouldn’t it be great to have a new space for the new year, but without all the headaches of tearing out walls and rebuilding?
Here’s how we did a no-demolition-renovation of a San Francisco kitchen recently.
![A beautiful kitchen in off-white vertical ceramic subway tiling and countertops, cornflower-blue upper and lower cabinetry with silver drawer pulls, silver and black cooktop and hob, silver refrigerator, and a butcher block island countertop with 3 white counter height stools. Above hangs a pendant light that resembles the famous artichoke light, plus there are recessed lights in the ceiling. The far right end of the kitchen opens into a mostly white dining area with windows at the end.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Blog-No-Demo-Reno-Kitchen-580x387.jpg)
This is what the space looks like after we completed the work. I just love how light and refreshing it feels!
The imitation artichoke pendant light is an affordable way to add a standout design feature, while the butcher block is both practical and useful as a countertop and a dining/seating area.
![The same kitchen but in warm wood tones, white countertops, and silver appliances. No color other than wood, white, silver and black. 3 modern black and silver counter height stools sit in front of the butcher block island, which is finished entirely in matching wood vertical surfaces to the countertop.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Blog-No-Demo-Reno-Kitchen-BEFORE.jpg)
The kitchen was easily usable with plenty of counter space and cabinets, but also totally bland in wood tones and white, without much texture, color or pizazz. We didn’t need to move anything, just update the finishes.
![A close-up view of the corner with veined white countertops, vertical white tiling, cornflower blue upper and lower cabinets, warm wood open shelving dressed with plants, cookbooks, and sculptures of birds. On the counter is a pair of flowers in square white pots, with a pair of tiny chairs, one in yellow and one in orange, next to the flowers.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Blog-No-Demo-Reno-AFTER-Kitchen-Closeup-580x869.jpg)
We kept the same countertops, painted the cabinets, and added open shelving for storage and display. I set subway tiles on the vertical instead of horizontally, creating a much more modern look.
We chose cornflower blue as a color that communicates trust and safety, something everyone’s home should support. It’s also a great backdrop for colorful, delicious food!
Now my client enjoys her new kitchen and didn’t have to go through months of construction dust and displacement.
Kimball Starr designs for unique homes throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Lake Tahoe. Contact her today for a remote or socially-distant in-person consultation.