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From Closed-Off Kitchen to Open-Concept Gathering Space

Lafayette, California

SCOPE: Carey Bros. Design & Build Remodeling transformed this Lafayette kitchen and dining area into a bright, open-concept family space designed for cooking, gathering, and everyday living. The original layout separated the kitchen, dining room, and living room with interior walls and decorative ceiling beams. Our remodel removed those barriers, added structural support, and created a more connected kitchen-centered floor plan.

This remodel included wall removal between the kitchen, dining, and living areas; installation of new structural beams; a reconfigured kitchen layout; new cabinetry; countertops; a tile backsplash; updated lighting; plumbing; HVAC adjustments; flooring repairs; refinishing; paint; and finish carpentry. The result is a warm, highly functional kitchen with expanded storage, improved circulation, and a much stronger connection to the adjacent living spaces.

Features: 

The new kitchen features a large island with seating, a refined perimeter cabinet layout, a dedicated pantry, relocated appliances, and a dining-area built-in that adds both beauty and function. Four new curb-mounted skylights over the dining area introduce natural light, while the open floor plan makes the kitchen feel larger, brighter, and more welcoming.

Fixture & Finish:

  • Custom-style cabinetry with glass upper cabinet doors
  • Large island with decorative end panels and concealed countertop supports
  • Herringbone tile backsplash
  • Floating shelves
  • Gas range with vent hood
  • Integrated microwave location
  • Dishwasher reuse and relocation
  • Trash pullout cabinet with upper drawer
  • Corner base cabinet with half-moon pivot and slide-out storage
  • Appliance lift with shelf at base cabinetry
  • New pantry storage
  • New fire-rated garage door with matching trim
  • Hardwood flooring patched, woven in, and refinished to match existing
  • Interior paint throughout entry, kitchen, dining, and living areas

Designer: Beth Soto

Lead Craftsman: Aaron Chandler, CLC

Client Testimonial: Great price! We had an excellent experience with this kitchen remodel from start to finish. The entire process was smooth and well managed, and we truly appreciated how clear and consistent the communication was throughout the project.

Beth and James Carey did a fantastic job with the planning and estimation—everything was transparent, accurate, and thoughtfully laid out. There were no surprises, and any change requests that came up were handled efficiently and professionally, which made the process feel very low-stress.

The construction crew, especially Aaron and Matt, were always on time and delivered outstanding quality work. The fit and finish on the custom cabinets, tile work, and paint were excellent, and the attention to detail really shows in the final result.

The project stayed on schedule, the team was respectful of our home, and the craftsmanship exceeded our expectations. We’re extremely happy with our new kitchen and would highly recommend this team to anyone looking for a reliable, high-quality remodel experience.

Open-concept kitchen with white shaker cabinetry, a sage green island with wood bar stools, stainless appliances, three skylights, and a round oak dining table on hardwood floors.
White shaker cabinetry with a built-in Bosch wall oven, walnut floating shelves, herringbone tile backsplash, and patterned runner rugs on oak flooring.
Sage green island drawer pulled open to show dovetailed maple drawer boxes, with the stainless Wolf range in the background.
White herringbone tile backsplash behind a stainless Wolf range with red knobs, below a custom white hood.
Deep white drawer opened to reveal cookware storage, next to a corner cabinet with a swing-out shelf beside the range.
Wide view of the open kitchen and dining nook, with a sage green island, pink pendants, four skylights, and an oval oak table.
Close-up of two aged brass bar pulls on white shaker drawer fronts below a white quartz countertop.
Sage green island with white quartz top under two pink dome pendants, flanked by skylights, a stainless refrigerator, and white cabinetry.
Kitchen work aisle between a sage green island and white perimeter cabinets, leading to a stainless Wolf range under a white hood.
Stainless steel Wolf gas range with red knobs under a white custom hood, framed by white herringbone tile backsplash and glass-front upper cabinets.
Back side of the sage green shaker island beneath two pink pendants and skylights, with red oak floors in the foreground.
Close-up of a white undermount sink with a brushed brass pull-down faucet and two soap dispensers on a white quartz counter beside a window.
Floor-to-ceiling white paneled pantry cabinets with brass pulls, next to a stainless dishwasher and the sink window.
View across the white quartz island toward the range wall, with pink pendants, skylights, and white cabinets above a herringbone backsplash.
Low angle of white shaker base cabinets with a stainless dishwasher, built-in microwave, and a faded floral runner on hardwood.
Dining area with an oval oak pedestal table, upholstered chairs and bench, framed art, and a stainless refrigerator beside white cabinetry.
Baking station with white shaker cabinets and quartz counter beneath a divided-light window, with a stand mixer and small potted plant on top.
Sage green island with light oak counter stools facing the range wall, with a stainless refrigerator and glass-front cabinets beyond.
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