Tucked into Omaha’s historic Morton Meadows neighborhood, this charming 1930s home held character but lacked functionality in the kitchen. Our client—an avid cook with a love for hosting and strong Italian roots—needed a design that honored the home’s original charm while bringing in modern conveniences. We reimagined the layout to open the kitchen to the dining space, added crucial appliances, and brought in soft, handcrafted materials to create a warm, inviting, and highly functional heart of the home.
Our client desired a soft updated kitchen with a nod to their traditional Italian roots.
thoughtful kitchen expansion
We eliminated the dividing wall between the kitchen and dining room to create an open concept that allows for better flow, improved light, and visual connection—making the entire home feel more cohesive.
Preserved Charm with Modern Enhancements
To maintain historical integrity, we replicated an existing corner glass-front cabinet and updated it with fresh materials—seamlessly blending old and new.
Key Implementations
custom cabinetry + built-in buffet
New cabinetry was extended into the dining area, mimicking the look of a built-in buffet. This provided valuable additional storage and counter space while reinforcing symmetry and charm from multiple viewpoints.
Handcrafted, European-Inspired Finishes
In lieu of imported Italian tile, we selected handmade-look tiles with depth, variation, and softness to reflect the client’s heritage—pairing them with brushed gold hardware, warm quartz, and a unique sage cabinet color for a collected feel.
Challenges + Solutions
Lack of Appliance Integration
The original kitchen lacked a dishwasher and microwave. Through space planning and custom cabinetry, we integrated both without compromising counter space—using clever storage and concealed placement to keep surfaces clean.
Limited Square Footage
With tight quarters and original walls defining the space, the kitchen felt boxed-in. Removing the wall to the dining room and eliminating the outdated pantry door allowed us to reallocate usable square footage and drastically open up the space.
Storage for Serious Cooks
As passionate home chefs, the clients needed ample storage for spices, cookware, and small appliances. We added slim cabinetry flanking the range, shallower cabinets beneath the window, and dedicated pantry drawers to meet their needs.
Balancing Budget + Aesthetic Vision
While imported tile wasn’t feasible, we sourced alternatives that captured the handcrafted, artisanal look the client wanted—ensuring the final result felt elevated, personal, and deeply connected to their roots.
