Acclaim Renovations & Design took this outdated kitchen and revamped the layout to create more space
By Patricia Nugent
Sometimes the heart of a kitchen renovation is about more than stunning cabinetry and gleaming countertops. With this Willoughby Hills transformation, the modest-sized space was begging for a makeover to accommodate a busy household of seven children.
Bob Gallese, owner of Acclaim Renovations & Design, says his design team pulled out all the stops to maximize every square inch.
“Sitting down with the homeowners, their main goals were to rework the footprint to add work space and seating space, increase storage and functionality, and open up the space,” he says.
A few of the challenges facing them were a small, cluttered mudroom between the doorway and kitchen, a single-door entry from kitchen to family room, open shelving and a serious lack of counter space.
“We replaced the lime green cabinetry with rich dark wood cabinets, replaced old counters with granite, and took out the soffits, open shelving and a clunky range hood, and replaced with sleek, tall cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling,” he says. “We made the most of the seating area by extending the counter and creating an angled peninsula with barstools that fit perfectly with the bay window. I’m big on details, that’s why I love the border treatment of the skinny glass rectangular tiles in the subway tile backsplash, and the way we framed that small window by the sink with cabinetry to position it as a focal point instead of a mistake.”
To add more natural light and an open feeling, they doubled the size of the doorway leading into the family room, creating an architectural element with an arched doorway. And they built custom cabinetry storage in the mudroom to hold all the kids’ coats and shoes.
“We even built woodwork around the door to the laundry chute, so it blends with the style of the renovation,” says Bob. “We’ve grown our business over the last 20 years by rising to the challenge in every job, and building our customers’ trust along the way. This job is a good example of that.”
Acclaim Renovations & Design powered by One Man and a Hammer is located at 8550 East Avenue in Mentor. The company has been awarded Contractor of the Year by NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry). Call 440-974-8082 or visit AcclaimReno.comto see more photos of this kitchen renovation, as well as many more room makeovers.