It’s a common problem, really.  A kitchen island that’s too small, doesn’t accommodate seating and has deep, hard-to-reach spaces that makes for less-than-ideal storage situations.

Our most recent kichenCRATE on Shady Glen Court in Modesto faced this exact challenge, and we’re very excited to show off the solution!

Gone is the old island (along with the old tile countertops & backsplash, dated cabinet finish and damaged sink) and in it’s place now sits a mecca of dining, entertaining and storage.

But don’t just take our word for it.  Scroll down for the customer testimonial, project specifications and extensive before and after pictures!

The Homeowner’s Kitchen Experience

What was your favorite part of the kitchenCRATE process?

Our favorite part of the kitchenCRATE progress was seeing progress daily and our kitchen transformed.  We appreciated the team staying on schedule…

What was your favorite part about the kitchenCRATE team?

Our favorite part about the kitchenCRATE team was having a designer help us choose paint colors, backsplash, etc. during the design phase meeting.  Everyone associated with kitchenCRATE was kind and respectful of our home during the process, including being respectful of our neighbors (whom have since mentioned it to us).

Was there anything about the process or project that surprised you? If so, what was it?

We were pleased to have the sales associate come with us to pick out granite and keep us on budget; it made it a much easier process.  Since we were not replacing our hardwood floor in the kitchen, we were impressed with the care the team took to protect it during construction – it was extraordinary.  We were also very pleased to get the job foreman’s creative input on turning a useless cupboard into a pull-out spice rack.

Before and After Pictures

(Click each image to enjoy a larger view.)

Day by Day Progress

(Note: We added a few extra days to our normal 7-day process to accommodate the owner-request add-ons, like these…)

Here’s how we did it:

Days 1 – Demo Day!  On this first day, we set up plastic walls to protect the home from dust, protected the path from the entry door to the kitchen with building paper, and then went to town removing the appliances, countertop, backsplash, plumbing fixtures, cabinet doors and drawers, and the flooring. We reinforced the plywood sub-tops with steel straps to support the new granite countertops and the mammoth cantilever countertop at the island. Toward the end of the day we created the template for the new quartz countertops, which take a few days to fabricate off-site.

Day 2 – The electrical team began the wiring for the new LED recessed lighting.  Seven six inch LED can lights were placed strategically around the kitchen to optimize the lighting over work spaces. These lights are installed to maximize light levels for the most common countertop uses. The new island was also installed.

Day 3 – Since all the walls and the ceilings had been protected, our painters began preparing and priming the cabinets.  Using a high-grade, oil-based primer, every inch of the kitchen cabinets were caulked, sanded and primed.  This is the first (and perhaps most critical) step of creating a durable paint finish.

Day 4 – The painters then began refinishing the kitchen cabinets in this Modesto home and applied two coats of Kelly-Moore Dura-poxy paint in  Dark Tavern to the thoroughly sanded and primed cabinets.  This same priming and painting process was used on the new doors and drawers, which are painted off-site in a climate-controlled paint booth for the highest possible quality.

Day 5 – The countertop installation team arrived to install the beautiful Blanco Precis Super Single Silgranit sink in Truffle, the Arizona Tile Giallo Cream granite countertops with a mitered edge.

Day 6 – The tile backsplash artisans installed the Bedrosians Hamptons Refresh 3″ x 6″ glass tiles.  An accent of Bedrosians Loft Market 1″ x 2″ mosaic tiles was installed at the cooktop.  The tile backsplash was grouted with Laticrete Light Pewter grout.

Day 7 – The painting team was back on site to paint the walls and ceiling. Kelly-Moore Whispering Wind was applied to the walls and Kelly-Moore Oak Wood was applied to the ceiling.

Day 8 – The flooring team was on site to replace the wood flooring that was removed for the installation of the new island.

Day 9 –  Lastly, the kitchenCRATE team installed the homeowner’s new appliances.  The transformation then hit the home stretch with the installation of the freshly-painted cabinet doors and drawers. The final day of the project included an array of “touch-up” items: all outlets and switches were replaced, the Kohler Simplice faucet and Kohler Transitional Design soap dispenser, each with a Vibrant Stainless finish, were installed and the entire project was cleaned, top-to-bottom.

Technical Details

• Countertop:  Arizona Tile Giallo Cream Granite
• Backsplash: Bedrosians Hamptons Refresh 3″ x 6″ Glass Tiles
• Cooktop Accent: Bedrosians Loft Market 1″ x 2″ Mosaic Tiles
• Grout:  Laticrete Light Pewter
• Sink: Blanco Precis Super Single Silgranit sink in Truffle
• Faucet: Kohler Simplice in Vibrant Stainless
• Soap Dispenser: Kohler Transitional Design
• Garbage Disposal: InSink Erator 1/2 HP Badger 5
• Cabinet Finish:  Kelly-Moore Dark Tavern semi-gloss finish using a top-of-the-line Kelly-Moore Dura-Poxy paint and primer.
• Cabinet Hardware:  Liberty Newton 3″ pulls in Satin Nickel with matching cabinet hinges.
• Wall Paint: Kelly-Moore Whispering Wind
• Ceiling Paint: Kelly-Moore Oak Wood

Is Your Kitchen Next?

Perhaps the Shady Glen Court kitchen reminds you of your kitchen.  Perhaps you like the layout of your kitchen and the cabinets are in good condition, but you are ready for a completely new look and feel.  KitchenCRATE can make this happen in just a few days and for an amazingly low price.

Just click here to schedule your phone consultation using our online scheduling system.  Or feel free to call us directly during business hours at 888-995-7996!

Scott Monday is co-founder and CEO of kitchenCRATE and bathCRATE.