Mid-Century Reawakened

Project Overview

This kitchen expansion transforms a dated 1976 split-level home in Golden's 6th Ave West neighborhood into a bright, open, and highly functional space designed for family life and entertaining. With a growing son and a love for hosting, the homeowners needed a kitchen that could keep up with their dynamic lifestyle while honoring the home’s character.

The original kitchen suffered from poor flow and limited natural light. A dividing wall separated the kitchen from the dining room, cabinetry was short and inefficient, and a low dropped ceiling made the space feel dark and cramped, especially challenging given the homeowner’s height. Storage was minimal, appliances were poorly placed, and the kitchen lacked clear prep and gathering zones.

Contact VL Builders to get started on your own kitchen remodel!

Reimagined Layout & Light

To open up the space, the wall between the kitchen and dining room was removed, immediately allowing natural light to flood the kitchen from the dining room window. The ceiling was raised to full height and all soffits were eliminated, dramatically improving vertical openness. To further brighten the interior core of the home, a solar tube skylight was installed above the island, complemented by layered LED lighting throughout.

These structural changes transformed the kitchen from enclosed and dim to open, airy, and welcoming.

Functional Zones & Storage Solutions

Thoughtful space planning allowed the new layout to support multiple zones for cooking, gathering, and entertaining, including:

• A working island with sink and dishwasher
• A dedicated coffee and beverage bar with hanging wine and mug storage
• A serving peninsula ideal for hosting

Custom cabinetry was designed to maximize every inch of storage, featuring deep drawer bases, high-function inserts, and a built-in appliance garage that keeps countertops clean and uncluttered.

Materials & Design Details

The design blends a rich, timeless palette with modern performance. Espresso-stained cabinetry grounds the space, paired with black quartz countertops for contrast and durability. Glossy white hex tile backsplash adds reflectivity and visual lift, while matte black and brass fixtures introduce warmth and a contemporary edge.

Glass-front upper cabinets provide visual openness without sacrificing storage, striking a balance between form and function.

The Finished Space

What was once a cramped, dark kitchen is now a bright, open, and elegant space ready for everyday cooking, family gatherings, and hosting with ease. This remodel reawakens the home’s mid-century roots while delivering modern functionality—creating a kitchen designed to serve this family for years to come.

Thinking About Expanding or Reworking Your Kitchen?

If you’re considering opening up your kitchen, improving light, or rethinking how your space functions for everyday life and entertaining, our team is here to help. At VL Builders, we partner with you to design and build thoughtful, stress-free remodels tailored to how you live.

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