Reimagining an Outdated Home: Thoughtful Kitchen Addition Remodel in Saratoga

Contemporary Saratoga

This 2,000 sq ft home presented multiple challenges for the homeowners. The kitchen was disproportionately small, inefficient, and lacked a pantry. The front door opened directly into an oversized, underutilized office space, creating an awkward entry point and no defined sense of arrival. Circulation through the home was inefficient, with the kitchen acting as a passthrough to the living room. The bathrooms were dark and dated, and the home’s layout placed bedroom spaces uncomfortably close to the main living areas. The homeowners wanted a better flow, expanded kitchen, improved privacy, and an additional bedroom and bath.

Originally, the front door felt more like a side entry, opening into a large office space with no drop zone or sightline into the home. A door from the office led directly into the undersized kitchen, exacerbating the home’s inefficient layout.

The entry was relocated to the former laundry room’s window opening, set back from the street for added privacy and architectural presence. A new door with sidelights clearly defines the home’s entrance, while short walls clad in natural stone add texture and create a subtle buffer between the driveway and entry.

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Thoughtful Planning For Better Flow

Inside, the relocated entry opens to a drop zone with custom cabinetry for organized storage. A light-filled hallway now connects the public and private areas, with clear views into the backyard. The new entry provides seamless access to the adjacent kitchen and living room, setting the stage for the remodeled kitchen addition.

The small, dark kitchen was accessed through the office and felt out of proportion to the home’s size. Limited counter space and storage made it inefficient, and its footprint felt disconnected from the expansive living area.

By reclaiming space from the former office, the kitchen was expanded to 240 sq ft—a true kitchen addition remodel success. Entry to the kitchen now flows naturally from the front door, enhancing accessibility. The new layout includes ample prep surfaces with perimeter countertops and a large central island. Custom cabinetry incorporates roll-outs, tray dividers, a mixer pull-up, and optimized corner storage, creating a highly functional and beautiful workspace.

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Dedicated Storage To Reduce Clutter

The addition of a walk-in pantry offers dedicated storage for small appliances, countertops, and shelving, ensuring clutter-free surfaces in the main kitchen. This kitchen addition remodel completely transformed the space into a bright and efficient hub for cooking and gathering.

The previous layout lacked definition, with awkward cabinetry extending into the living room and an asymmetrical peninsula that didn’t provide seating. Poor placement of appliances further hindered functionality.

The reimagined kitchen features a symmetrical cabinet layout, clearly separating it from the living space. The laundry room was relocated to create a clean, door-free transition into the kitchen. A 9’ island with casual seating now serves as a natural gathering space, complete with a prep sink and efficient roll-out storage. This kitchen addition remodel maximizes space and flow while elevating the overall design.

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The primary bath was outdated, dominated by a rarely-used built-in tub, mismatched finishes, and an unattractive sightline from the entry. The homeowners wanted a more practical layout with an expanded shower and additional vanity storage.

The tub was removed to accommodate a spacious walk-in shower with a bench seat and niche. A centered window provides natural light while maintaining privacy. The refreshed design features wood vanities, blue tile accents, and a clean 5’ vanity opposite the entry, creating a beautiful and functional focal point.

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Cohesive & Functional Primary Bath

To address the need for more space, a 335 sq ft addition at the rear of the home created room for a new bedroom, a secondary bath, and a relocated laundry room. This private area now serves as a quiet guest suite or workspace for the homeowners’ high-security needs. Thoughtful design changes enhance the home’s flow, privacy, and functionality, aligning it perfectly with the clients’ lifestyle. Additionally, the kitchen addition remodel seamlessly integrates with the overall design, ensuring cohesion and maximizing the home’s livability.

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Preparation is key to a successful kitchen remodel. There are many budget, design, and planning decisions to make during the process. Join us at one of our free remodeling events to learn more about what you need to know before embarking on your remodeling project.