Japandi-Inspired Kitchen

Project Details

Remodel Type: Kitchen

Design Style: Modern / Japan & Scandinavian blend

Trade Resources and Partners

Photography: Alyssa Lee

Contractor: Craft Construction

Counters: Select Surfaces

Cabinetry: Steven Cabinets

From the Client

Colleen helped us remodel our kitchen in our 1930s home. It was originally an incredibly awkward space that was hard to move around and dark, but was transformed into a beautifully light filled and usable space. Colleen was incredibly helpful in sourcing materials, contractors, and fixtures. She helped us with every detail and stayed in contact with the vendors for us to ensure everything turned out how we expected it as well as on time. I cannot recommend her enough!

Before Conditions

  • Small breakfast nook used up valuable floor space

  • Refrigerator and range located on short wall with no counter space

  • Narrow passageway to the back door, their primary entrance

  • No clear passageway between the kitchen and living room

  • Not enough storage

Client Objectives

  • Earthy palette and clean lines inspired by their years in Japan and California and their Scandinavian heritage

  • Improve flow between kitchen and adjacent rooms

  • Increase countertop space and storage

  • Incorporate small coat closet and seating for shoe removal

  • Include small seating area for casual meals

Design Solutions

  • Rift-cut white oak cabinetry, white quartz counters and a soft green tile backsplash bring the soft earthy palette and clean lines

  • Removed an entry closet and breakfast nook to open up the overall footprint and created a functional work zone that includes great counter space on either side of the range

  • Extended cabinetry on sink wall the full width of the room

  • Created a new arched opening to the living room and removed the trim around other doorways to enlarge them and mimic original arched openings

  • Widened the opening to the back door and added an angled cabinet at this corner to improve traffic flow

  • Included a floating peninsula counter with space for two counter stools

The Details That Make It Work

  • The arched openings, classic lighting and original wood casing anchor this kitchen in its 1938 bones. The rest of the finishes bring a warm, soft modern style that harmonizes with the classic details.

  • New pantry wall incorporates storage for the microwave, coat storage, and a bench for shoe removal.

  • Classic light fixtures soften the modern elements

  • Open shelves either side of the range were sized for their spice and oils collections

Project Details

Remodel Type: Kitchen

Design Style: Modern / Japan & Scandinavian blend

Trade Resources and Partners

Photography: Alyssa Lee Photography

Contractor: Craft Construction

Counters: Select Surfaces

Cabinetry: Steven Cabinets

From the Client

Colleen helped us remodel our kitchen in our 1930s home. It was originally an incredibly awkward space that was hard to move around and dark, but was transformed into a beautifully light filled and usable space. Colleen was incredibly helpful in sourcing materials, contractors, and fixtures. She helped us with every detail and stayed in contact with the vendors for us to ensure everything turned out how we expected it as well as on time. I cannot recommend her enough!

About Colleen


I live in Minneapolis with my landscape architect/urban designer husband, my daughter who believes she’s my design assistant and sous chef, an independent Siamese, a feisty grey-striped kitten, and a menagerie of turkeys and other wild animals who visit our backyard for the free food. When I’m not designing, you’ll often find me cooking up a Paleo feast, cheering for my daughter's volleyball team, playing pickleball, or hiding in a corner with my nose in a book.