Traditional Kitchen Remodel in Somers Point, NJ

The owners of this Somers Point cape cod had a clear mandate: update the kitchen without losing the warm, traditional character that made the house feel like home. They didn't want an open-concept transformation or a design that would look out of place in a classic Jersey Shore town. They wanted new everything — but with the same welcoming feel they'd always loved.

Our design team worked with them over two consultations to define a direction: raised-panel cabinetry in a warm antique white, topped with prefabricated granite in a soft beige and cream pattern that read as traditional rather than contemporary. The existing layout was actually well conceived, so we retained the overall footprint and focused our changes on the quality and character of the finishes.

The existing cabinets were removed and replaced with full-overlay raised-panel doors in antique white with brushed bronze hardware. We extended the upper cabinet run by 18 inches on the east wall to capture dead space that had previously been open soffit — adding significant storage without changing the kitchen's square footage. Crown molding was added to the tops of all uppers to tie them visually into the ceiling and give the finished product a furniture-like quality.

The countertops are a prefabricated New Venetian Gold granite — a classic pairing with antique white cabinetry that has stood the test of time. The backsplash is a 3x6-inch subway tile in a warm cream glaze with a traditional brick-lay pattern and contrasting dark grout, a timeless combination that suits the home perfectly.

We replaced the old vinyl flooring with 12x24-inch porcelain tile in a warm beige travertine look, installed on a 45-degree diagonal to add visual interest to the space. A new farmhouse apron-front sink in white fireclay became the focal point of the kitchen, paired with an oil-rubbed bronze faucet and matching pot filler above the range.

The result is a kitchen that feels like it's always been there — only better.