Transforming a 1920s Kitchen
How Smart Design Breathes New Life into a Historic Home
We often hear that "the kitchen is the heart of the home," and for good reason. Whether you firmly believe in that notion or not, there's no denying that the kitchen is the hub of daily life. It's a place where meals are prepared, conversations flow over cups of coffee, and memories are made—whether baking with your children or hosting friends around the island. The kitchen isn't just a room; it's an ever-evolving space full of life and activity.
For the Cox family, their 1920s kitchen had reached its limits. Despite a previous renovation, the layout no longer supported their lifestyle. They wanted more space, improved functionality, and modern appliances to handle their daily needs. With a century of use behind it, their kitchen was due for a full remodel, and with that decision, they embraced a comprehensive home renovation as well.
Partnering with Daystar Enterprise Inc., Roseberry Allen Interior Design, and Peters Cabinetry, the Cox family embarked on a journey to rethink their kitchen’s potential completely. We recently caught up with them to explore the process, the challenges, and what it takes to turn a century-old space into a contemporary kitchen that meets the demands of today’s busy households.
What aspect of your new space resonates with you the most?
It is very functional and open. The island makes entertaining and cooking so much easier, the drawers/cabinets and layout make it so much better to operate in. Everything has its place and there is a place for everything.
Because the cabinetry and countertops were custom-made, everything fit perfectly without the need for spacers and with minimal transition points.
The quality of the work is top notch, and therefore there are not any "eyesores" that grate at you overtime "wishing it would be different".
What insights would you share with homeowners considering their own remodel journey?
First thing to do is determine your "why?", even before you determine your budget. You need to be sure why you are doing it and to ensure that your plan will check those boxes for you.
Determine your budget and ensure to add fluff as scope creep will occur.
Do not cut corners on big stuff. While it may seem easier to save on the larger ticket items (like cabinetry/countertops/functional items), because there is more money involved in general, these are the items that make the largest difference to the aesthetic and enjoyment of the space.
It doesn't matter what other people want/like, it's your space, you have to pay for it and live with it. Do what makes you happy and move on.
Are there any final reflections or takeaways from your remodeling experience you'd like to highlight?
Similar to planning a wedding, something will go wrong, but remain calm as most things are fixable.
Allow more time for planning, do not rush or "settle" for things just to appease someone, speed the process along or because you have decision fatigue.
Communicate your expectations clearly and follow-up. Assumptions turn into mistakes.
Trust the people you hire to do it correctly. Trust the process. When its all done, you want to have the feeling of “loving it and wish you had done it years ago.”
The transformation of the Cox family kitchen reflects not just a redesign but a reimagining of how a kitchen can enhance daily life. It's proof that with thoughtful planning, collaboration, and a focus on functionality, the kitchen truly becomes the heart of the home, once again pulsing with life and memories in the making.
You can view a gallery of the finished project here.
