The Warmth of Wood, The Brilliance of White: A Lake of the Isles Kitchen Transformation
When our clients in the elegant Lake of the Isles neighborhood of Minneapolis came to us, they had a clear vision: a kitchen that could handle the demands of a busy family while radiating warmth and timeless style. The existing space, a cramped and closed-off 77-square-foot relic, simply couldn't deliver.
Our mandate was to dramatically expand the room and inject it with durable, high-end materials, resulting in a design that harmonizes classic home architecture with clean, contemporary function.
Every detail contributed to the "Warm and Bright" aesthetic. The custom rift-cut white oak cabinets provide essential warmth, while the creamy zellige-look backsplash and polished brass pendant lights introduce refined texture and elegant contrast. The large windows and vaulted ceiling enhance the light and airy feel, making the entire space welcoming and functional.
Rethinking the Footprint: Achieving Symmetry and Flow
The success of this remodel started with an ambitious expansion. By removing walls and integrating the former breakfast nook, we grew the kitchen to a generous 179 square feet. This new space allowed us to implement an efficient U-shaped layout grounded by a spacious central island.
A major request from the homeowners was symmetry, which became the guiding principle for the layout. We strategically centered the new range on the back wall, flanking it with perfectly aligned casement windows, and anchored the entire room by placing the sink within the expansive island. This deliberate placement created a highly efficient workflow and a visually satisfying, balanced space.
This view captures the intentional symmetry that defines the kitchen, with the custom white hood and dual casement windows perfectly framing the cooking area. Notice the functional contrast created by the dark perimeter countertops and the expansive white quartz island, all anchored by the warm, custom rift-cut white oak cabinetry.
The Materials Story: A Lesson in Warmth and Texture
The defining visual story of this space is the beautiful contrast between warm wood tones and crisp, bright white finishes. This careful selection of materials ensures the kitchen feels both welcoming and thoroughly modern.
Warmth: Rift-Cut White Oak
To achieve the desired warmth without sacrificing modern lines, we selected custom rift-cut white oak cabinets. Unlike plain sawn oak, the rift-cut technique ensures a straight, consistent grain pattern, giving the wood a refined, durable finish. We chose an updated inset door style with thinner stiles and rails, blending the tradition of inset cabinetry with a sleek, contemporary sensibility. This custom wood finish is perfectly complemented by the home's refinished red oak floors.
The quality of the design is truly evident in the custom details. We selected inset cabinetry construction for a highly refined, furniture-like look that speaks to timeless craftsmanship. This close-up highlights the custom door profile, which utilizes thinner stiles and rails to offer a subtle contemporary update to the traditional inset style. The rich polished brass hardware completes the look, providing a final touch of warmth and luxury against the durable rift-cut white oak grain.
Brightness: Zellige-Look and Quartz
To counterbalance the wood and ensure a light, airy feel, we used bright finishes and textural elements:
The walls and vaulted ceiling were painted in a crisp white (Simply White by Benjamin Moore) to maximize the natural light.
For the backsplash, we opted for a creamy, 4x4 ceramic tile that beautifully mimics the uneven texture and character of traditional zellige tile, adding dimension without visual clutter.
Countertops offer a stunning contrast: a thick marble-look quartz on the island for a dramatic focal point, paired with a dark gray quartz on the perimeter for practical, low-maintenance work zones.
The Details That Elevate
A successful design is always in the details. We used polished brass hardware and lighting (including the pendant lights above the island) to introduce a subtle warmth that ties back to the oak cabinetry.
Functionality was also met with grace:
The kitchen features a full pantry wall with rollouts for discreet, efficient storage.
Open shelving, strategically placed where heavy upper cabinets would typically reside, breaks up the cabinet runs and provides a space for personal display.
This combination of aesthetic warmth and intelligent functionality resulted in a kitchen that is truly exceptional. We were delighted to see its success recognized, with the project being featured as a Kitchen of the Week on Houzz—a wonderful acknowledgment of this timeless Minneapolis kitchen remodel.
Are you looking to integrate warm, contemporary style and functional symmetry into your next home project? Contact us today to start planning your custom transformation.