We hired New Thresholds to design a renovation plan for our ground floor open concept kitchen/living/dining areas and powder room. All spaces were circa 2006, with black granite countertops, dark stained wood cabinetry, taupe stone backsplash and very dated paint colors and furnishings throughout. Our goal for the kitchen was improved functionality and a totally updated white and bright look. Our designer Katherine Rush began the process by identifying the aesthetic look and style we desired. Next, she developed a plan to reconfigure the kitchen and breakfast areas. She designed a built-in window seat with storage, which made much better use of the existing breakfast dining space and also took advantage of our beautiful bay windows and backyard views. She recommended we add on to our existing kitchen cabinets and build them up to the ceiling. These new top cabinets have glass fronts and lighting, providing us with a beautiful and elegant display space. All of the cabinetry was painted and looks brand new. Our existing kitchen island was extended based on Katherine's recommendation, which enabled us to add storage as well as space for built-in cookbook shelves. An appliance garage and a sliding drawer for trash and recyclabes were both added near the sink. Finally, a dated oval-shaped bar height counter extending from the kitchen into the living rom was narrowed, giving the living area more space, and the kitchen sink area a clean and modern look. Katherine walked us through each step of the kitchen renovation. She helped us choose each design element, including countertops, backsplash, cabinet and wall paint colors, fixtures, sink, lighting, hardware, cushions and furniture. She was consistent at all times in helping us stick to the aesthetics and look we desired, while staying within our buget. For example, she didn't pressure us to switch out elements we chose not to replace, such as the floors and the majority of our appliances. Instead, she worked with these existing elements and somehow made them look better than before. In our living room, Katherine helped us choose a simple yet beautiful lighting scheme, paint, and all furniture and accessories in keeping with the modern French country look we desired. She was mindful of our budget at all times. Our formal dining space also received a makeover. A favorite new element in our renovated formal dining room is the built-in dry bar that Katherine designed from scratch. An arched brick pass-through across from our dining room table was transformed into a beautiful floor-to-ceiling wine bar, with cabinets, countertop, lighting, wine fridge, and cellar wine storage. This wine bar instantly transformed our dining room space from drab to fab. We lightened the paint colors, added a statement chandelier and replaced the dining table and chairs with lighter and more modern pieces. Thanks to Katherine's ingenuity, our dark and drab dining room is now a light, bright, and beautiful space for entertaining. We also gave our powder room a huge face lift, replacing a small pedestal sink with a new built-in vanity. Again, Katherine's guidance and help in choosing the fixtures, countertop, mirror, sink style, lighting and paint helped us transform our small powder room into a fabulous and elegant space for our guests. Finally, near the powder room we added an under-the-stairs storage room with a concealed shelf door entrance. This small room is finished out with tile, paint and baseboard and provides much-needed extra storage. We could not be more happy with this home renovation project. The renovated living and dining areas, our new wine bar, the powder room facelift and our gorgeous new white kitchen have completely transformed the look of our home. We feel as if we're now living in a brand new house. Thank you New Thresholds!