From Dated to Dazzling: How Expert Design Turned a 1980s Kitchen Into a Modern Dream Space
Sometimes, a kitchen doesn’t just need a refresh—it needs a complete reimagining. That’s exactly what happened when homeowners in Hague, Saskatchewan, partnered with our designer Sherri Russell to transform their dated 1980s kitchen into the bright, functional, and beautiful heart of their home they’d always dreamed of.
This isn’t just a simple cabinet replacement story. This is a testament to what’s possible when experienced design meets dedicated service—and when homeowners trust the process of a complete kitchen transformation.
The Before: A Kitchen Stuck in Time
The original kitchen featured golden oak cabinets with glass-front uppers, laminate countertops, and a layout that felt cramped and closed off. While it had served the family well for years, it no longer reflected how they wanted to live or cook. The separate dining room sat underutilized while the kitchen felt too small for gathering. The warm oak tones, though once popular, made the space feel dark and dated. The homeowners knew they wanted something dramatically different, but they weren’t sure where to start. That’s where Sherri’s expertise came in.
The Vision: Opening Up Possibilities
During the initial consultation, Sherri listened carefully to how the family used their space. They loved to entertain and wanted room for their kids and grandkids to comfortably visit at the island while dinner was being prepared. They dreamed of a bright, airy kitchen that felt contemporary but timeless. And here’s where experienced design makes all the difference: Sherri saw potential beyond the kitchen itself.
The homeowners were expanding their home so opening up a back bedroom to create an expanded dining area was already on the table. This reconfigured the entire flow of the main floor. The stairs were enclosed, and suddenly, the kitchen had room to breathe. It also created a bit of a “dance floor” so Sherri suggested an adjacent coffee area and the homeowners loved it! This is what sets professional kitchen design apart. It’s not just about choosing pretty cabinets; it’s about understanding how your entire home can work better for the way you live.
The After: A Show-Stopping Transformation
Walking into this kitchen now feels like stepping into a designer showroom—except it’s perfectly tailored to this family’s real life.
The Cabinetry: Craftsmanship Meets Style
Sherri selected beautiful maple cabinetry in the Keelie door style with a sophisticated Silverstone finish for the perimeter, creating a bright, clean backdrop that makes the space feel instantly larger. The cabinets extend all the way to the ceiling with crown moulding, a transitional detail that adds architectural interest without feeling fussy.
The real showstopper? The stunning Gunmetal Blue island. This deep, moody color grounds the space and provides a gorgeous contrast to the light perimeter cabinets. It’s dramatic without being overwhelming, modern without being trendy—a choice that will look beautiful for decades. Every cabinet is plywood construction—a mark of quality that ensures durability. Antique nickel handles add a touch of warmth and elegance, while a chrome footrail on the back of the island provides both style and comfort.
The Countertops: Dekton Trance Steals the Show
The countertops and full-height backsplash feature Dekton porcelain in the “Trance” pattern—and they’re absolutely breathtaking. The sweeping veining mimics natural marble but offers the durability and low-maintenance benefits of premium porcelain. The full-height backsplash behind the coffee bar and around the perimeter creates a luxurious, spa-like feel. Dekton is practically indestructible—resistant to stains, scratches, heat, and UV rays—which means this kitchen will look as stunning in 20 years as it does today. For families who actually live in and use their kitchens, that peace of mind is priceless.
Smart Storage Solutions
Beautiful design means nothing if it doesn’t function well. Sherri incorporated thoughtful storage throughout:
- A new walk-in pantry keeps bulk items organized and out of sight
- A double waste bin system makes recycling and trash management effortless
- Canister and spice pullouts keep frequently used items accessible but organized
- A super susan maximizes corner cabinet storage
- A spice pullout in the island beside the cooktop for easy access to oils and seasonings
- Narrow cookie sheet storage on the side of the island to complement the horizontal slat detail that creates an added design element
- A dedicated coffee bar on the opposite side of the kitchen creates a beverage station that keeps morning routines smooth
The Layout: Room to Breathe (and Entertain)
By opening up the back bedroom to create a dining area, the new floor plan transforms how the family lives. The kitchen no longer feels separate from the rest of the home—it’s now the welcoming hub where cooking, dining, and gathering all flow together naturally. The new island provides ample seating, workspace for meal prep, and a landing spot for groceries, backpacks, and everything in between. Pendant lights overhead define the space while providing task lighting exactly where it’s needed.
Why This Transformation Matters
This project is a perfect example of what we mean when we say “Experienced Design. Dedicated Service.”
Sherri didn’t just sell this family cabinets and countertops. She listened to their needs, saw possibilities they hadn’t considered, guided them through product selections that balanced beauty with durability, and coordinated details of a complex renovation. The result is a kitchen that’s not only gorgeous but genuinely makes their daily life better. This level of expertise doesn’t happen by accident. Our designers have years of experience, ongoing training in the latest products and trends, and—most importantly—a genuine passion for creating spaces that improve how people live.
Ready for Your Own Before-and-After Story?
If you’re living with a kitchen that no longer works for you, we’d love to help you reimagine what’s possible. Whether you’re in Winnipeg, Regina, or anywhere in between, our team brings the same experienced design and dedicated service to every project—from small updates to complete transformations like this one.
Your dream kitchen is waiting. Let’s create it together.
Visit us at one of our three locations:
- Kitchen Craft Winnipeg on Regent Street and on Kenaston Boulevard
- Kitchen Craft Regina on Broad Street
Experienced Design. Dedicated Service.
Designer: Sherri Russell | Location: Hague, Saskatchewan | Cabinetry: Maple in Keelie door style, Silverstone and Gunmetal Blue finishes | Countertop and Backsplash: Dekton Porcelain in Trance