90s kitchen update before and after

When my client first contacted me to help her update her outdated kitchen, she knew something needed to replace this kitchen desk area that would be more functional, and less of an eye sore! Since she was not local to Johnson City, we worked together remotely via E-design

We all remember this set-up. The kitchen desk was a good idea in theory; parent’s could wrangle school papers and catch up on bills in the center of the home. In actuality, these end up being a catch-all for everything, and can really be a downer. Who wants to look at work while enjoying a meal anyway?

Before

The solution

So I began sketching some ideas for a Butler’s pantry to house my client’s amazing collection of vintage dishes. She wanted to show some of them off, but also keep them contained. The other must-have items on her list was a small counter area, a spot for the Nutone house intercom (although she admitted it was not a cute feature and needed to be concealed!) and a drawer for cat food. She had questions and concerns about whether to match up the existing trim in the rest of the room, and just generally how to make it all flow design-wise. I loved her honesty and willingness to be open to new ideas on this project. We had a lot of fun as the result!

I took the cabinet and trim styles from the adjacent room in mind, and designed a sophisticated, functional Butler’s pantry in the most perfect shade of blue/gray!

After

Butler’s pantry in blue/gray with metal mesh doors

There’s a place to showcase special items down the center, with a light to show them off. I love that there’s just a hint of what’s inside the cabinets through the mesh metal doors…

My client originally wanted glass doors, but when I suggested metal mesh, as a way to make this unit feel special (apart from the rest of the kitchen), she loved that idea even more. And, it was one she never thought of. It just goes to show, a little trust and flexibility, can really pay off!

This pantry is just the right combination of a little display, and a little mystery…

Now it feels like opening a present when the cabinet’s contents are revealed!

My solution for the house intercom, was a faux drawer with a flip-down door. Clever, huh? Now this 90s artifact can keep on trucking, without stealing the show!

The pantry feels unique and special. With a few smart decisions, it blends beautifully with the rest of the room.

What a transformation! I’m so glad I was able to assist my client with this project, and hearing that she can’t stop staring at it, makes my job even sweeter!

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Before and After - 90s kitchen desk turned Butlers Pantry

Hausmatter Interiors