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Brookfield Kitchen and Dining Room Remodel
Project Details

Project Year: 2022

Location: Brookfield, Wisconsin

Updates Included: Remodel

Rooms: Kitchen and Dining Room

Features:

  • Open-concept layout improves flow between kitchen, dining, and gathering spaces
  • Large central island supports entertaining, homework, and everyday routines
  • Oversized window above the sink brings natural light into the center of the kitchen
  • Faux beams and refinished staircase create architectural continuity throughout the space
  • Expanded pantry storage and beverage station improve daily function

Opening the Heart of the Home

The original kitchen and dining room no longer reflected the way the homeowners wanted to live. The layout felt segmented and dark, with awkward circulation and limited space for gathering as a family. One of the biggest challenges was the range positioned directly in front of the circular window, blocking natural light and disrupting the balance of the room.

The homeowners envisioned a brighter, more connected environment where cooking, entertaining, homework, and everyday life could happen together with ease. By opening walls, reworking the layout, and introducing a lighter material palette, the remodel transformed the space into a welcoming hub designed for both function and connection.

Designed for Connection and Everyday Living

Functionality guided every major design decision. Removing the peninsula and small island allowed space for a larger central island that now supports food preparation, gathering, and daily family activities. The kitchen feels more intuitive to move through, with improved sightlines and a stronger connection to the surrounding spaces.

Relocating the sink beneath the oversized window brought natural light into the center of the kitchen while improving workflow. Additional pantry storage, a beverage refrigerator, and expanded counter space further support both everyday routines and larger gatherings, allowing the kitchen, dining room, and dinette to function as one cohesive environment.

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, stainless steel oven, and marble countertops. Natural light from windows, a vase with greenery, and a fruit bowl.

Blending Architectural Character with Modern Comfort

While the layout changed dramatically, preserving the home’s character remained an important part of the design process. The heavy yellow-toned oak finishes from the previous remodel were replaced with a softer, brighter palette that feels timeless while better reflecting the architecture of the home.

Thoughtful architectural details help unify the space. Faux beams conceal ceiling transitions while adding warmth and visual depth overhead. The staircase was opened visually and refinished to coordinate with the butternut stained flooring, while the former arched kitchen window was redesigned into a more refined rectangular shape that allows light to move more freely throughout the home.

Innovation Through Thoughtful Problem Solving

Several structural and construction challenges required careful coordination throughout the remodel. Existing openings were widened after uncovering poor previous construction, and inconsistencies in stair heights had to be corrected without rebuilding the staircase entirely.

To accommodate the new hood vent, portions of the existing framing were revisited and adjusted to ensure proper ventilation to the exterior. Long maple beams were field-mitered to create the appearance of continuous solid beams, bringing both precision and visual continuity to the finished design.

These solutions allowed the space to feel seamless and intentional while improving how the home functions each day.

From Start to Finish

Brookfield Kitchen & Dining Room Remodel
Before

Before

  • The two-level peninsula interrupted the connection between the kitchen and dining area.
  • Dark oak cabinetry and dated finishes made the space feel visually heavy.
  • Segmented layout limited movement and reduced opportunities for gathering.
  • Existing paint colors and materials no longer reflected the character of the home.
Brookfield Kitchen & Dining Room Remodel
After

After

  • Large custom island creates a central gathering space for cooking, dining, and entertaining.
  • Open-concept layout improves visibility and flow between adjoining spaces.
  • Bright cabinetry and lighter finishes bring warmth and balance to the interior.
  • Butternut-stained island and beams add contrast while tying architectural details together.
  • Seeded glass pendants introduce texture and help visually soften ceiling transitions.
Brookfield Kitchen & Dining Room Remodel
Before

Before

  • Outdated cabinetry and finishes reflected the home’s previous 1970s remodel.
  • Limited lighting and darker materials made the kitchen feel enclosed.
  • Small work areas restricted functionality for cooking and entertaining.
  • Existing backsplash, appliances, and surfaces lacked cohesion with the home’s character.
Brookfield Kitchen & Dining Room Remodel
After

After

  • Bright white cabinetry introduces a lighter, more timeless aesthetic.
  • Expanded layout improves efficiency and creates better circulation throughout the kitchen.
  • Quartz countertops and subway tile backsplash create a clean, cohesive material palette.
  • Stained maple island adds warmth and contrast while anchoring the space visually.
  • Custom range hood and traditional corbels reinforce the home’s transitional character.
Brookfield Kitchen & Dining Room Remodel
Before

Before

  • Range placement directly in front of the window disrupted both function and natural light.
  • The arched window and surrounding layout limited flexibility within the kitchen workspace.
  • Storage solutions and everyday conveniences were insufficient for the homeowners’ needs.
  • Dark cabinetry and finishes contributed to a closed-in atmosphere.
Brookfield Kitchen & Dining Room Remodel
After

After

  • Sink relocation beneath the oversized window improves workflow and daylight throughout the kitchen.
  • Expanded cabinetry and integrated storage solutions enhance everyday organization.
  • Matte black hardware and fixtures introduce contrast within the lighter material palette.
  • Bright finishes and updated window design create a cleaner, more open appearance.
  • Island microwave and improved appliance layout support a more efficient cooking experience.
Brookfield Kitchen & Dining Room Remodel
Before

Before

  • The small island and angled peninsula created a crowded, inefficient layout.
  • Multiple visual interruptions made the kitchen feel busy and disconnected.
  • Limited seating reduced the kitchen’s ability to support gatherings and daily family use.
  • Dark finishes and segmented surfaces lacked warmth and cohesion.
Brookfield Kitchen & Dining Room Remodel
After

After

  • Oversized island creates a central gathering point with seating for family and guests.
  • The layered mix of wood tones, stone, and painted cabinetry adds warmth and visual balance.
  • Stained maple beams introduce architectural detail while unifying ceiling transitions.
  • Brighter finishes and expanded surfaces create a more welcoming and functional kitchen environment.
Brookfield Kitchen & Dining Room Remodel
Before

Before

  • Yellow-toned oak cabinetry made the kitchen feel dated and visually heavy.
  • Continuous wood finishes throughout the space lacked contrast and dimension.
  • The small island provided limited storage, seating, and functionality.
  • Appliance placement reduced efficiency and interrupted the visual flow of the kitchen.
Brookfield Kitchen & Dining Room Remodel
After

After

  • Rich butternut-stained island adds warmth while contrasting beautifully with the bright perimeter cabinetry.
  • White cabinetry and quartz surfaces create a lighter, more open atmosphere throughout the kitchen.
  • Integrated island microwave improves convenience while keeping countertops uncluttered.
  • Layered mix of wood tones, matte black hardware, and bright finishes creates a balanced, cohesive palette.
Brookfield Kitchen & Dining Room Remodel
Before

Before

  • Green wall paint and yellow-toned oak cabinetry made the space feel dated and visually closed in.
  • Existing pantry placement interrupted the openness between the kitchen and staircase.
  • Bulky cabinetry limited visual continuity throughout the first floor.
  • The overall layout lacked the bright, cohesive character the homeowners envisioned.
Brookfield Kitchen & Dining Room Remodel
After

After

  • Relocated pantry cabinetry opens the stair wall and creates a stronger visual connection between spaces.
  • Tall white cabinetry brightens the interior while providing deeper storage and adjustable rollouts for improved organization.
  • Butternut-stained maple box beams add warmth and architectural character across the ceiling plane.
  • Updated staircase details, including painted newel posts and stained handrails, create continuity with the refinished flooring.
Brookfield Kitchen & Dining Room Remodel
Before

Before

  • Closed stair details and narrow openings limited visual flow between the dining room and kitchen.
  • Dark wood tones and heavy trim made the transition spaces feel smaller and more enclosed.
  • The staircase lacked the architectural presence needed to complement the updated layout.
  • Traffic flow between rooms felt segmented and restrictive.
Brookfield Kitchen & Dining Room Remodel
After

After

  • The redesigned staircase creates a brighter and more connected transition between living spaces.
  • White boxed newel posts and square balusters introduce a clean, timeless architectural detail.
  • Stained handrails coordinate with the refinished wood flooring for a cohesive appearance throughout the first floor.
  • The transformation creates a lighter, more refined atmosphere while maintaining warmth and character.
Brookfield Kitchen & Dining Room Remodel
Before

Before

  • Walls, soffits, and built-in cabinetry visually constricted the transition into the dining room.
  • The enclosed layout interrupted sightlines and limited the sense of openness between spaces.
  • Existing pantry cabinetry and structural elements made circulation feel tight and segmented.
  • The dining area lacked the warmth and cohesion needed for everyday gathering and entertaining.
Brookfield Kitchen & Dining Room Remodel
After

After

  • The remodeled dining room feels open, connected, and visually balanced with the surrounding spaces.
  • Tall Snow White pantry cabinetry with glass mullions adds storage while maintaining a light, refined appearance.
  • Flush LVL structural beams create clean transitions and support the newly opened layout.
  • Integrated beverage refrigeration adds convenience while keeping the dining area uncluttered and functional.
  • Improved sightlines and architectural continuity create a welcoming atmosphere for both daily living and entertaining.
Discover how thoughtful design can transform the way your home feels and connects.
Outcome & Client Impact

What was once a dark and segmented kitchen has become a bright, connected space designed around the way the homeowners truly live. The remodel improves how the home functions day to day, creating a more welcoming environment for cooking, gathering, homework, and entertaining.

By opening the layout and introducing a lighter architectural palette, the kitchen and dining areas now feel cohesive and inviting without losing the character of the original home. The result is a space that supports both everyday routines and larger family moments with comfort, warmth, and ease.

Brookfield Kitchen & Dining Room Remodel
Modern kitchen with white cabinets, stainless steel oven, and marble countertops. Natural light from windows, a vase with greenery, and a fruit bowl.
A modern kitchen with white cabinets, marble countertops, stainless steel appliances, and wood flooring. A plant and basket add decorative touches.
A modern kitchen features white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, marble island with fruit bowl, pendant lights, and greenery, creating a bright, inviting space.
Modern kitchen with white cabinets, a dark wood island, and stainless steel appliances. A vase with branches and oranges decorates the countertop.
Spacious modern kitchen with white cabinets, wooden island, and dining area. Hardwood floors and staircase. Large window brings in natural light.
White stairway leads to a hallway with built-in cabinets, a glass-fronted cupboard, and wooden flooring. Warm, neutral wall colors complete the space.
A modern kitchen with wooden table, black chairs, chandelier, landscape painting, white cabinets, large window seat, and decorative plants.

Dream Big. We’ll Handle the Rest.

S.J. Janis Company stands ready to bring your vision to life with unparalleled expertise and a commitment to excellence. Contact us today to discover how we can turn your dream home into your real home.
Brookfield Kitchen & Dining Room Remodel

Dream Big. We’ll Handle the Rest.