Kitchen Remodel Secrets: Neutral Palette & Design Selections Behind the Scenes

3 min read

Woman sits on kitchen counter in a bright kitchen. Right side shows neutral kitchen selections, including fixtures and stools. "Neutral Kitchen Selections" text. — Kitchen Renovation, Inviting Neutral Kitchen, by Atlanta Interior Designer

The kitchen is the heart of the home. In this project, our client wanted to transform their dark, outdated kitchen into a bright, open, and modern space where the family can gather and enjoy meals together. They dreamed of a kitchen that wasn’t just a place to cook, but a hub for everyday living.

To bring this vision to life, we completely rethought the layout. We created a natural flow between the kitchen and dining area, making the space feel larger and more welcoming. The design was built around three main goals: first, we added a functional island to serve as a central gathering spot for the family; second, we kept the color scheme clean and neutral, yet added small touches to keep it interesting; and third, we improved the overall functionality to make daily tasks easier.

Below, we share 5 design tips we used to achieve this transformation, along with source links at the end for more details.

Tip 1: Optimize Kitchen Flow with the Golden Triangle

Modern kitchen with white island, three beige stools, and pendant lights. Vase with flowers, wine, and fruit on the counter. Bright, airy feel.

A well-planned kitchen layout makes all the difference. The Golden Triangle means positioning the sink, stove, and fridge in a triangular layout. It helps streamline movement and creates an efficient workspace. This setup minimizes unnecessary steps and makes cooking and entertaining much easier.

🚫 Pro Tip: Avoid placing the stove on the island. It can be a safety hazard and often disrupts the clean, open look of the space.

Tip 2: Create a Strong Focal Point

Bright kitchen with a white farmhouse sink, brass faucet, and white cabinets. A towel hangs over the sink. Shelves have dishes, wood accents.

Every kitchen needs a focal point—something that immediately catches the eye when you walk in. In this project, the window naturally stood out, so we leaned into it as the centerpiece of the design.

🔨 What We Did:

✔ Expanded the window to bring in more natural light and enhance the view.

✔ Installed a fluted farmhouse sink paired with a stylish faucet to highlight the area.

✔ Kept the opposite side minimal with a sleek hood design and a styled vignette to ensure balance in the space.

A well-defined focal point adds character and makes the kitchen feel more inviting.

Tip 3: Maximize Storage with Double-Sided Island Cabinets

In a kitchen with limited space, every inch counts. Since we removed the upper cabinets to create a more open feel, we had to find smart ways to add storage without compromising the design. These were our solutions:

✔ Installed double-sided cabinets in the island – This provided extra storage for less frequently used items and kept essentials within reach.

✔ Created a pantry on the opposite wall – A dedicated pantry area helped keep everyday items organized and easily accessible.

Tip 4: Add Functional Cabinet Features

Smart storage solutions can make a big difference in how a kitchen functions day to day.

Here's our small additions to help streamline kitchen routines:

✔ Utensil and spice pull-out cabinets next to the range for quick access while cooking.

✔ Deep drawers for pots and pans near the cooktop, making it easy to grab what’s needed.

✔ Open shelves for everyday items like glassware and breakfast bowls, keeping them within reach and adding an inviting touch.

Tip 5: Mix Cabinet Finishes for a Dynamic Look

A single cabinet finish can sometimes make a kitchen feel flat. To create depth and visual interest, we mixed materials and finishes for a balanced & modern feel.

✔ White and oak cabinets – The crispness of white keeps the space light and airy, and warm oak adds natural texture and coziness.

✔ Skinny shaker cabinet style – A modern take on a classic design that adds subtle detail without overwhelming the space.

✔ Brass accents – Paired with the warmth of oak and the clean look of white, this combination feels fresh, timeless, and stylish.

The result? A kitchen that feels inviting, layered, and anything but boring. A true chef’s kiss moment! 👌✨

Shop the Look: Kitchen Selections & Sources

Here’s everything we sourced to bring this kitchen to life! From cabinetry to fixtures, these selections helped create a space that’s both stylish and functional.

All links to products used can be found on my LTK Account.