Modern Yet Traditional Kitchen Remodel | Neil Kelly
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Modern Yet Traditional Kitchen Remodel

Last Updated November 24, 2025

Kitchen with white glass front cabinets and three windows
Kitchen Projects Project Profiles

Seattle Kitchen Remodel

This Mt Baker Park kitchen remodeling project preserves historic features and improves functionality.

Built in 1923, this kitchen was remodeled in the 1980s, but the design paid no homage to the character of the Seattle home. The kitchen felt very dark and closed in, there was minimal surface space for cooking or daily kitchen tasks, and there was very little storage. “I always start by asking homeowners, ‘How do you use this space?’ Then, I can hone on what’s truly important,” shares designer Abbas Rachaman.  “It was fun walking around and showing these homeowners our 3D designs and helping them visualize — and then get excited about — what their new kitchen remodel would look like.”   Adding light, storage and visual interest  Before the remodel, Rachaman and his team sorted through the clients’ very long kitchen (shopping) wish list: 
  • A place to sit and work on laptops  
  • Gas cooktop
  • Larger refrigerator
  • 2 ovens
  • Wine refrigerator
  • More light  
  • Pantry
  • A place for plants
  • Locate the sink near the windows for a view outside
  • Easy maintenance
  • Warm color palette
  • Timeless design
  • Budget-friendly design
“I love to bring new life to older homes by adding fresh designs while staying true to a home’s traditional elements.” – Abbas Rachaman
Design Challenges The design team faced several challenges including:
  • Working around existing windows (for budget-preservation)
  • Needing to keep radiator in the kitchen
  • How to bring in a gas line
  • Maximizing space and storage: while adding double ovens and larger refrigerator
  • Preserving historical integrity and not making kitchen too modern for the home
  • Determining island placement
  Design Solutions The new kitchen remodel features more efficient design, storage and visual interest. Attention to detail (and longevity) was given to material selection including the eye-catching backsplash tiles. “It was very important to make the patterns line up exactly as well as find a tile that wasn’t in a ‘trendy’ shape or something that would go out of style,” explains Abbas.   Design highlights include:
  • Moved sink to a corner between two windows to maximize neighborhood views
  • Increased ceiling height to match adjacent rooms and add spaciousness
  • Placed double ovens under the counter to maximize valuable surface space
  • Added pullout kitchen accessories and deep drawers for ease of use
  • Extended the tile to the ceiling and picture framed windows with tile liners
  Also incorporating a repurposed radiator:
  • Moved placement to create space to add another cabinet
  • Added a fresh coat of paint to freshen things up
  • Topped with a decorative countertop to create a “landing zone” for everyday items and decrease clutter (keys, wallets, groceries)
  • Added porcelain floor tiles, ceramic backsplash and quartz countertops for easy maintenance and visual appeal
  Keeping in (Design) Harmony “I love to bring new life to older homes by adding fresh designs while staying true to a home’s traditional elements,” Abbas shares. For example, this kitchen features 24×24” large format porcelain floor tile, which could be used in a modern or contemporary setting but would not be considered traditional. However, the pendant lights hanging over the island are traditional and would not be seen in a modern or contemporary-only design. By balancing styles, both traditional and modern elements can work together in perfect harmony.   Ready to cook up your dream kitchen? Get in touch with Neil Kelly today.

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