A Stunning Transitional Kitchen with Pass Through Pantry

A StunningTransitional Kitchen with Pass Through Pantry

Remodel Project – Greenville, SC

Transistional Kitchen as a Showroom

Designer Kimberly Kerl’s previous kitchen was too small. Clearances were tight, and she and her husband always got in each other’s way. The goal of their new space was obviously to add more square footage, but equally important was to have the kitchen function as a showroom for Kerl’s clients. Kerl is a designer.

“I do a lot of kitchen renovations, and I wanted to be able to show them in person the features and products I am always recommending,” she said.

Kerl said designing the cabinetry in her new space was not hard because she could do it in her sleep. Since her cabinet maker has a design side, it was easy to collaborate with the design team there in selecting door styles.

Kitchen Perimeter

Build Method – Combo of Frameless and Inset

In this thoughtfully designed transitional kitchen, a multitude of organizational solutions have been seamlessly integrated into the cabinetry, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. The innovative design features pullout shelves flanking the cooktop, allowing for easy access to frequently used items while maximizing space.

Deep drawers have been strategically placed to accommodate larger kitchen essentials, such as crockpots, pitchers, and mixing bowls, ensuring that everything has its place and is within reach when needed. Moreover, the design incorporates built-in trash receptacles in two convenient sizes, providing an efficient means of waste management without compromising the kitchen’s overall appearance. This attention to detail reflects a commitment to creating a clutter-free environment that promotes ease of use during food preparation and cooking.

To further showcase the versatility of the cabinetry, some cabinets feature a full overlay design, which creates a sleek and modern look by minimizing the gaps between the doors. In contrast, other sections incorporate an inset style, offering a more traditional and classic flair that appeals to a variety of design preferences. This range of cabinet styles allows interior designer Kerl to demonstrate to her clients the aesthetic diversity that can be achieved within a single space.

Additionally, Kerl thoughtfully included both stained and painted cabinetry options, catering to different tastes and allowing her clients to visualize how various finishes can harmonize with their personal style. This careful curation of cabinet styles and finishes not only enhances the kitchen’s visual appeal but also showcases Kerl’s expertise in balancing practicality with beauty, resulting in a transitional kitchen that is both functional and inviting.

Kitchen Island

Quarter Sawn White Oak, Transitional Island Design

Build method: Inset

This sleek island features a waterfall countertop for a seamless, modern look. The slab doors showcase a 3” chevron groove pattern, adding subtle texture, while push latches maintain a clean, handle-free design. This sleek island features a stunning waterfall countertop that creates a seamless, modern look, transforming the kitchen into a true focal point. The design is visually appealing and maximizes countertop space, making it perfect for cooking and social gatherings.

Beyond its visual appeal, this island is also equipped with integrated lighting that beautifully illuminates the chevron pattern, creating an inviting ambiance and highlighting the craftsmanship of the cabinetry. The lighting can be adjusted to provide soft, warm hues for cozy gatherings or brighter illumination for meal preparation.

Unique Features

Some of the goals solely for Kerl and her husband were incorporating a vast island—9 feet—and including a hidden pantry and cleanup area, as she did not want dirty dishes in full view. The prep sink is next to the cooktop in the main kitchen, but the wall ovens are also tucked away in the pantry.

This transitional kitchen features a vertical reeded backsplash custom made by Walker Woodworking with a hidden feature of the OPEN & Close door of pass-through to make entertaining easy. This design included a special place for the dog, creating food storage and a feeding area at just the right height.

The kitchen blends smart organization, functionality, and elegant design. Signature features include a built-in knife block, utensil pull-out, spice drawer, peg drawers, docking drawer, bread drawer, and vertical pan dividers—all designed for seamless storage and easy access, enhancing the space’s overall aesthetic.