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Large-Scale Kitchen Remodel & Home Transformation | Mount Vernon, Ohio
Some remodeling projects focus on updating finishes.
Others completely transform how a home functions.
For these homeowners, the goal was far more ambitious than replacing cabinets or installing new countertops. They envisioned a complete rethinking of the kitchen and surrounding living spaces while preserving the unique architectural character that made their home special.
The result was a dramatic transformation featuring a massive custom island, extensive structural modifications, custom cabinetry throughout, a new beverage center, updated lighting, and carefully selected finishes that blend contemporary design with the home's existing brick architecture and warm wood accents.
The completed space feels larger, brighter, more functional, and far better suited for gathering with family and friends.
Blending mid-century character with modern function
Before
The Existing Layout
Preserving the Character While Reimagining the Space
Preserving the Character While Reimagining the Space
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While the original kitchen offered generous square footage, the space felt dated and compartmentalized.
Oak cabinetry, ceramic tile flooring, and an inefficient peninsula limited both functionality and visual openness. Several walls and partial partitions interrupted sightlines between the kitchen, dining area, and adjacent living spaces.
The homeowners also wanted significantly more workspace, improved storage, better traffic flow, and a design that reflected their personal style.
Achieving those goals would require more than cosmetic updates.
It would require substantial structural and layout changes.
Preserving the Character While Reimagining the Space
Preserving the Character While Reimagining the Space
Preserving the Character While Reimagining the Space
Some homes reveal their potential immediately. Others require a little vision.
Built in 1969, this home featured many of the design elements common to the era: extensive brickwork, warm wood trim, large windows, and a floor plan that reflected a different way of living. While the kitchen no longer met the homeowners' needs, the home possessed architectural character that would be difficult—and expensive—to recreate today.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was uncovering what made the home special in the first place.
Throughout the renovation, subcontractors and visitors often commented that they had never considered themselves fans of homes from this era—until they spent time in this one. Beneath the dated cabinetry and compartmentalized layout was a home with remarkable architectural character and craftsmanship.
Rather than fighting against those original features, the design embraced them.
The dramatic brick fireplace remained a focal point. The rich wood window trim was preserved. Large windows continued to flood the space with natural light. The new cabinetry, countertops, and finishes were selected to complement the home's architecture rather than erase it.
The result feels thoroughly modern while still honoring the character that made the home worth preserving.
During
Opening the Floor Plan
Correcting a Long-Standing Floor Sag
Correcting a Long-Standing Floor Sag
One of the most significant portions of the project involved removing a major load-bearing wall.
A substantial structural beam was installed to carry the load previously supported by the wall, allowing the kitchen and adjacent spaces to function as a cohesive environment rather than a collection of separate rooms.
The change dramatically improved sightlines throughout the home while creating a more natural flow between cooking, dining, and gathering spaces.
What was once a series of disconnected areas became a unified living environment centered around the kitchen.
Correcting a Long-Standing Floor Sag
Correcting a Long-Standing Floor Sag
Correcting a Long-Standing Floor Sag
While much of the project focused on improving the home's layout and appearance, one important improvement was hidden beneath the floor.
Over the years, a portion of the home's floor system had developed noticeable sagging. Before new finishes could be installed, the underlying structural issue needed to be addressed.
Working within the crawlspace, Waal Construction installed a new support beam and adjustable steel support posts to permanently reinforce the affected area and restore proper floor elevation.
By addressing the structural concerns before remodeling began, the finished kitchen and dining spaces now rest on a solid foundation that will continue to perform for years to come.
Designing Around a Statement Island
Preserving Character While Updating the Design
Custom Cabinetry & Storage Solutions
The centerpiece of the remodel is the oversized custom island.
Designed specifically around the homeowners' lifestyle, the island provides abundant workspace, integrated storage, seating for family and guests, and a central gathering place within the home.
The island also incorporates the cooking surface, creating a highly functional workspace while allowing the homeowner to remain connected to family and guests while preparing meals.
Its scale and shape make it one of the defining features of the entire renovation.
Custom Cabinetry & Storage Solutions
Preserving Character While Updating the Design
Custom Cabinetry & Storage Solutions
Storage was a major priority throughout the project.
New custom cabinetry was installed throughout the kitchen, replacing the original cabinetry with a more efficient and modern layout.
The renovation included:
• Full-height custom cabinetry
• Extensive drawer storage
• Custom refrigerator integration
• Dedicated beverage center
• Built-in wine and beverage refrigeration
• Floating shelving and display storage
• Improved pantry and countertop organization
The result is a kitchen that feels uncluttered while providing significantly more usable storage than before.
Preserving Character While Updating the Design
Preserving Character While Updating the Design
Preserving Character While Updating the Design
One of the home's most distinctive architectural features is the large central brick fireplace.
Rather than competing with this feature, the new design embraces it.
The rich brick tones are complemented by warm wood window trim, natural textures, and carefully selected finishes throughout the space. The dramatic brick fireplace remained a focal point. The rich wood window trim was preserved. Large windows continued to flood the space with natural light. The new cabinetry, countertops, and finishes were selected to complement the home's architecture rather than erase it.
The result feels thoroughly modern while still honoring the character that made the home worth preserving.
Matte black cabinetry creates contrast while quartz countertops and backsplash surfaces brighten the room and reflect natural light from the large windows.
The finished design feels contemporary without sacrificing the character that makes the home unique.
Transforming the Dining Room (BEFORE)
Transforming the Dining Room (BEFORE)
Transforming the Dining Room (BEFORE)
While the kitchen received the most dramatic changes, the adjacent dining room underwent its own significant transformation.
The original space featured dark wood paneling, built-in cabinetry, and finishes that reflected the home's 1969 origins. While the room had character, it felt darker and more enclosed than the homeowners desired.
Transforming the Dining Room (AFTER)
Transforming the Dining Room (BEFORE)
Transforming the Dining Room (BEFORE)
To brighten the space while maintaining its connection to the home's mid-century roots, the wall paneling was removed and replaced with a lighter, more contemporary finish. Existing cabinetry was removed and replaced with custom built-in storage designed to complement the new kitchen.
A decorative slat-wall feature and floating shelves create a focal point that adds warmth, texture, and visual interest without overwhelming the room. The updated finishes allow natural light from the large windows to become a defining feature of the space.
The result is a dining room that feels brighter, larger, and more welcoming while remaining true to the architectural character of the home.
Thoughtful Finishing Details
Transforming the Dining Room (BEFORE)
Thoughtful Finishing Details
The project included numerous custom details that help elevate the overall design.
These features include:
• Quartz countertops and backsplash
• Custom beverage station
• Decorative slat-wall feature installation
• Recessed LED lighting throughout
• Updated electrical systems
• Modern fixtures and hardware
• Carefully coordinated finishes and materials
Every detail was selected to support the homeowners' vision for the space.
Finished
What the Homeowner Had to Say
Highly recommend! Professional, timely, reasonable, works with clients, others involved in the project, shares insights & suggestions. Ours was a large-scale kitchen remodel & Tracy & crew were always there for issues big & small! Couldn't be happier that we chose Tracy & his people!
-Wendy Wolfe