Kitchen Saga: Designing a Space That Works for Real Life
They say the kitchen sells the home—and in our case, that was absolutely true. Despite being much smaller than what I was used to, this kitchen had potential. Tucked behind it was a compact maid’s room, and right away I saw an opportunity: what if we turned that space into a larder or storage zone?
I’ve always loved baking and cooking (read: obsessed with food!), so I knew the existing setup had to go. The grey 90s backsplash tiles, the two-tier counter jutting awkwardly into the dining area, and the overall drab tone didn’t spark any joy. The counter ate into valuable space, making it nearly impossible to fit a proper dining table—let alone mine. That part was easy to fix in my head.
But once I sat down to actually plan the new layout, it got trickier. Fitting all my kitchen essentials into a smaller space was proving frustrating, especially with my beloved 5-burner standalone cooker demanding so much cabinet real estate.
The Breakthrough
That’s when the idea struck: why not extend the kitchen into the maid’s room? The layout just made sense. The small laundry room between the kitchen and maid’s quarters could become the larder, and the maid’s bathroom could be reimagined as a compact laundry area.
Of course, this wasn’t a decision made in isolation. My partner had reservations—mainly about losing the maid’s bedroom and bathroom, and how that might impact resale value. But for me, this was about creating a home that supports our lifestyle, not one designed around hypothetical buyers. After a few conversations (okay, debates!), I got the green light—with a few butterflies in my stomach wondering if I’d regret the choice.
Seven Months Later… No Regrets
We opened up the wall between the original kitchen and maid’s room to create a seamless transition. I updated the old laundry room doors to match the pantry, creating visual cohesion throughout the space.
Today, we function with two kitchens:
The main kitchen holds our tea station (we’re Sri Lankan—it’s practically sacred!) and is perfect for breakfast and everyday tasks. and dessert prep just before it goes out to the guests, my custom table on castors fits beautifully into the space, making it easy to serve, prep, or move around as needed.
- The prep kitchen houses the standing gas range and is where all the real cooking happens—lunch, baking, or entertaining prep. Since it’s tucked away, I can cook without the mess being on display.
Design Details I Love
- Both kitchens feature flat-panel cabinetry for a sleek, modern look.
- The main kitchen includes built-in appliances from Teka—stove top, microwave, and dishwasher—making everything feel streamlined.
- In the back kitchen, my reliable KitchenAid mixer and small appliances are tucked neatly into what used to be an old wardrobe nook.
- Personal touches like my mortar and pestle from Sri Lanka and handcrafted coconut spoons bring warmth and soul into the space.
- And thanks to a lucky mishap with an extra pantry drawer, I was able to create a gorgeous tabletop using reclaimed oak planks I stumbled upon at Ace.
Lessons I Learned Along the Way
- Trust your instincts. Design for your life—not what’s typical or expected.
- Define your zones. My kitchen is mapped out by function: tea station, breakfast area, cooking zone, baking zone. (Let me know if you’d like a more in-depth breakdown of how I organized these.)
- Integrated appliances help maintain a seamless, uncluttered look.
- Say no to divided sinks! Also under-mount sinks are a total game-changer for aesthetics and function.
Creating a kitchen that truly supports your lifestyle is more than a design decision—it’s a way of honoring how you live, connect, and care for your home. Would I do it all over again? In a heartbeat.
✨ Thinking about reworking your kitchen or making the most of a small space?
Whether you’re dreaming of a layout that flows better, smarter storage, or a kitchen with heart—we’d love to help.
📩 Reach out to us for a consultation or explore our E-Design package if you’re looking for a flexible, budget-friendly way to start your transformation.
Let’s design a kitchen that works for your life.
Shyam
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