Warm Modern Kitchen in Quail Hollow with Organic and Earthy Tones
Project Overview
When we first met this family, their biggest challenge was visibility. With a toddler in tow, it was difficult to cook, entertain, and keep an eye on the little one with so many walls dividing the space. The kitchen felt closed off, disconnected from the rest of the home, and didn’t reflect the modern yet warm aesthetic they envisioned.
We started by listening closely to their needs, both functional and emotional. From there, we reimagined the layout entirely, removing three interior walls to create an open-concept flow between the kitchen, dining, and living areas. The result is a clean line of sight across the main level, making it easier to stay connected as a family while enhancing natural light and movement throughout the space.
Design-wise, we blended earthy green tile, rich wood cabinetry, and clean white surfaces to create a modern look with warmth and personality. As the project progressed, we also upgraded the staircase railings to match the fresh, cohesive style of the newly renovated space.
The homeowners couldn’t be happier and neither could we. This transformation turned a closed-off layout into a connected, functional, and beautiful home they can grow into for years to come.
"I can't recommend DGK Design and Build highly enough! From the very first introductory phone call to the last day of work when they handed our keys back, every step of the process was clearly outlined. Every team member was gracious, courteous, and genuinely listened to our questions and concerns (and addressed them!). We lived in our house during our renovation and the team made it as easy as possible for us and minimized disruptions wherever possible. We are absolutely thrilled with the space and look forward to many years of making memories with our family."
Kara
Material Specs:
Cabinetry
Countertop
Flooring
Backsplash
Plumbing Fixtures
Electrical Fixtures
Hardware
Paint Colors
Miscellaneous
Challenges & Solutions
Challenge:
The homeowners wanted to keep their existing windows, which posed a unique design challenge. Since relocating the windows wasn’t an option, we needed to create a kitchen layout that felt visually balanced and functional, without the ability to achieve perfect symmetry through traditional placement. Maintaining harmony in an open-concept kitchen while working around fixed architectural elements required a thoughtful design approach.
Solution:
We strategically designed the layout to make the custom range hood appear centered between the two existing windows, creating a strong and intentional focal point. To further enhance the sense of symmetry and flow, we positioned the kitchen sink directly across from the range, aligning the main work zones to feel cohesive and balanced. This approach allowed us to honor the client's request while still delivering a visually stunning and highly functional kitchen renovation, proof that great kitchen design isn't about perfect math, but about intuitive spatial planning and visual balance.
Challenge:
When transitioning from an older, darker-stained hardwood to a much lighter stain, it’s common to experience stain bleed-through, even after standard sanding. While removing the old stain isn’t usually too difficult, lighter tones make any residual pigment more noticeable and can unexpectedly show through once the new finish is applied.
Solution:
To ensure a clean, even finish, our team sanded the floors thoroughly and went deeper in select areas where subtle bleed-through remained. By doing this carefully and methodically, we were able to eliminate all signs of the previous stain and achieve the light tone the homeowner wanted—with no compromises on appearance or quality.