Colts Neck, NJ

The homeowners had lived with their outdated 1990s kitchen for over two decades. The dark oak cabinets absorbed all natural light, the laminate countertops were chipped and stained, and the inefficien...

Type

kitchen

Location

Colts Neck, NJ

Budget

$45,000 - $55,000

Timeline

8 weeks

Before & After

Before

After

The Challenge

What We Were Working With

The homeowners had lived with their outdated 1990s kitchen for over two decades. The dark oak cabinets absorbed all natural light, the laminate countertops were chipped and stained, and the inefficient layout forced the cook to constantly walk back and forth across the room. The small peninsula blocked traffic flow and made the space feel cramped despite its generous square footage. Most frustrating was the lack of prep space—the family of four had to use the dining table for meal prep because there simply wasn't enough counter room.

Our Solution

How We Solved It

We designed a complete kitchen transformation centered on a stunning 10-foot custom island that serves as the new heart of the home. By removing the peninsula and reconfiguring the layout, we created an open concept that improved traffic flow and tripled the usable counter space. Custom shaker-style cabinets in a warm white finish replaced the dated oak, immediately brightening the entire space. We installed quartz countertops in a subtle veined pattern that provides durability for this busy family while maintaining an elegant appearance. Strategic under-cabinet LED lighting and recessed ceiling fixtures ensure excellent task lighting throughout. The Wolf 36-inch range and Sub-Zero refrigerator columns elevate the functionality while the soft-close drawers and pull-out organizers maximize every inch of storage.

The Results

What We Delivered

Counter space increased from 18 sq ft to 52 sq ft
Natural light improved by 40% with lighter finishes
Energy costs reduced 25% with LED lighting and Energy Star appliances
Home value increased by estimated $35,000
Kitchen became the gathering spot for family and friends

Project Features

10-foot custom island with waterfall edge
Soft-close shaker cabinets in warm white
Quartz countertops with subtle veining
Under-cabinet LED task lighting
Wolf 36" dual-fuel range
Sub-Zero refrigerator columns
Pull-out pantry organizers
Deep pot drawers
Built-in spice rack
Farmhouse sink with touchless faucet

Materials Used

Cabinets : Custom shaker-style in Benjamin Moore Simply White

Countertops : Cambria Brittanicca quartz

Backsplash : Marble-look porcelain subway tile

Flooring : Engineered white oak in natural finish

Appliances : Wolf 36" dual-fuel range, Sub-Zero 36" column refrigerator, Sub-Zero 18" column freezer, Bosch 800 series dishwasher

Hardware : Brushed brass cabinet pulls and knobs

“We put off this remodel for years, worried about the disruption and cost. Lopez made the entire process seamless, and now we can't imagine how we lived with that old kitchen. The island is where everyone gathers—homework, morning coffee, holiday baking. It's truly the heart of our home now.”

The Martino FamilyColts Neck, NJ