Project Story
Behind the Design: A Coral Gables Kitchen Transformation
September 15, 2025
When our clients purchased their 1974 Coral Gables home, they fell in love with the bones — the vaulted ceilings, the mature oak in the backyard, the terrazzo floors. But the kitchen was a time capsule: dark laminate cabinets, a cramped galley layout, and a pass-through window that blocked the view of their beautiful garden.
The Challenge
The clients wanted a modern, open kitchen that could host holiday dinners for twenty — but didn't want to move walls or change the home's footprint. They also had a strict timeline: everything needed to be complete before their daughter's quinceañera in four months.
The Approach
Instead of removing walls, we removed visual barriers. The pass-through became a full opening with a waterfall-edge island beneath it — suddenly the kitchen and living room were in conversation. We replaced the upper cabinets on the garden-facing wall with open shelving and a full-width window, flooding the space with natural light and green views.
Material Choices
White oak cabinetry with a natural finish brought warmth without heaviness. The countertops are honed Calacatta Monet — dramatic enough to be a focal point, soft enough to feel approachable. For the backsplash, we chose handmade zellige tiles in a warm cream — their slight imperfections catch light beautifully throughout the day.
The Result
Four months later, the kitchen hosted sixty-five guests for the quinceañera — and the family says it's now the room where everyone gathers, whether it's Sunday breakfast or homework hour. The before-and-after is dramatic, but what matters most is that the space works exactly the way this family lives.
Interested in transforming your kitchen? Let's talk about your project.