Open-Concept Inspiration

After seeing his neighbor’s spacious, freshly remodeled kitchen, a Kailua homeowner was inspired to upgrade his own. A previous renovation of his kitchen several years ago resulted in a space confined by extra walls and a confusing layout with several entry points. Seeking a new approach to kitchen design, the homeowner collaborated with Homeowners Design Center to explore his options.

“Using three-dimensional images was so fun and exciting,” shares the homeowner. “We went through multiple iterations, brainstorming where to put appliances and how to arrange the space. Once we laid out the final renderings on a grid, it was amazing to see the computer images come to life in my home.”

Homeowners Design Center owner Randall Omoto and general contractor Landon Nakata of Turn 2 Construction readjusted the kitchen layout to achieve an airy, open-concept design. The renovation involved removing the kitchen’s load-bearing walls and installing structural ridge beams, as well as rearranging appliances, cabinetry and furnishings to fit the homeowner’s lifestyle.

Cambria quartz extends throughout the kitchen, adding visual interest with its gray veining pattern on the backsplashes and countertops.

Bright white Diamond cabinetry, featuring custom frosted glass by T&T Tinting Specialists, perfectly complements the striking quartz designs.

“We had to figure out what made the most sense,” explains Omoto. “We went through the process of asking how he uses the kitchen to figure out the best place for the refrigerator, and where to move the stove and sink.”

An old peninsula counter was replaced by a modern island with a sophisticated Cambria quartz waterfall-style surface. Woven counter seating and a sprawling workspace on the island allow the homeowner to cook and host guests. A built-in buffet was added along the far wall across the kitchen to provide additional storage and table space for frequent gatherings.

“I love not having a dining room table and instead having the large island, along with the buffet and wine cooler,” the homeowner notes. “Together, it’s a perfect way to maximize and fully utilize the space.”

A beverage station is one of the homeowner’s favorite features of the renovation. With customized storage and appliances for coffee, wine and ice, this area is the perfect addition for both unwinding and entertaining.

The same Cambria quartz on the island was used throughout the kitchen. The striking gray veining creates intriguing visual movement amid the space’s cool, neutral aesthetic. Stainless-steel fixtures and glass-panel cabinets with custom frosted film by T&T Tinting Specialists on each side of the stove complement the colors and veining of the quartz backsplash.

Bright white Diamond cabinetry, a product line highly recommended by Omoto, anchors the design with attractive, durable storage. “Diamond is KCMA (Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association) certified with a lifetime warranty, so you know it’s a good investment,” says Omoto.

Personalized details in the kitchen provide ease and efficiency for the homeowner. One of the kitchen’s unique features is a dedicated beverage station with a custom coffee bar. “We came up with the coffee bar out of a need for storage as we were trying to identify a place for his coffee machine. We knew [the homeowner] needed something nearby and accessible to optimize his use of it, so that was a great solution,” explains Omoto.

Beach-themed décor and pops of ocean teal highlight the homeowner’s passion for surfing and the shores of Kailua.

“The one thing I did differently was adding the coffee nook with a secondary sink, mini-fridge and ice maker,” notes the homeowner. “We never have enough ice in Hawaii, so it was a perfect way to turn an underused closet into a space that I love and use daily.”

Pops of vibrant teal, beach-themed décor, and over a dozen recessed downlights round out the space. These accents showcase the homeowner’s love for the beach and surfing in true Kailua fashion.

“The result is a magnificent transformation,” says the homeowner. “I just love the fact that it’s lighter, brighter, and open.”

Schedule a free consultation with Homeowners Design Center for your next project by calling (808) 847-0216 or visiting homeownersdesign.com.

Editor’s Note: This article has been slightly modified from the original print version for optimal online reading. To view the full print story, pick up your copy of Hawaii Home + Remodeling at one of our partner locations.