A Thoughtful Kitchen Remodel in Houston’s Memorial Neighborhood
At Jamie House Design, we believe that a well-designed kitchen is the heart of the home, especially in historic neighborhoods where original architecture deserves to be honored. One of our favorite projects was a full-home remodel in an affluent Memorial neighborhood in Houston, where the homeowners made a conscious decision to preserve their home’s charm rather than tear it down—a choice we deeply admire.
The existing kitchen lacked character, function, and flow. The cabinetry was of poor quality, the finishes were outdated, and the flooring did not blend seamlessly with the rest of the home. Initially, the homeowners considered a simple refresh with new paint, but we encouraged them to take full advantage of the renovation and create a kitchen that would stand the test of time while enhancing daily life for their growing family.
Reimagining the Layout for Function and Beauty
A successful kitchen design begins with function, then layers in beauty. The existing layout did not make the best use of the available space, and the pantry was underwhelming in size. Our priority was to improve efficiency, provide ample storage, and create a more open and inviting atmosphere.
Key layout improvements included:
Expanding the kitchen pass-through to create a stronger connection to the family room, adding a concrete counter for casual seating.
Bumping out the sink wall to accommodate the client’s dream Shaw farmhouse sink and maximize workspace.
Reconfiguring the pantry to provide generous storage for a family that values home cooking and entertaining.
Designing a functional work triangle to enhance the flow between the sink, range, and refrigerator, ensuring effortless meal prep and cleanup.
Timeless Materials and Thoughtful Details
To honor the home’s original character while introducing modern luxury, we carefully curated a mix of materials and finishes:
Countertops: Hand-troweled concrete countertops bring an organic texture that complements the home’s natural elements. We extended this material into the utility room and powder bath for continuity.
Flooring: Slate flooring adds depth and subtle color variation while seamlessly transitioning between the home’s original wood floors and the kitchen.
Custom Cabinetry: Instead of the standard under-cabinet molding, we hid the lighting behind cabinet doors for a streamlined, sophisticated look.
Storage Solutions: Deep drawers replace lower cabinets, allowing for easy access to cookware and eliminating the frustration of searching through cluttered shelves.
Glass Cabinetry: Textured glass doors on the display cabinets and pantry add vintage charm while maintaining an airy openness.
Overcoming Unexpected Challenges
No renovation is without surprises. When widening the pass-through, we discovered there was no drywall behind the paneling—just the exposed backside of the fireplace.
A Kitchen Designed for Living
The final result is a kitchen that is as practical as it is beautiful. The expanded pantry, concealed small appliance storage, and custom cabinetry ensure effortless organization. The enhanced layout fosters connection, allowing family and guests to gather comfortably.
Overcoming Unexpected Challenges
Another challenge arose with the range wall. Our original design included a spice niche, but the contractor insisted it couldn’t be built due to structural limitations. Instead, they installed a stainless-steel backsplash. While functional, this was not in line with the aesthetic vision. Fortunately, we were able to bring in our trusted team to rework the wall and install the stunning Pratt & Larson tile as originally intended—restoring the integrity of the design.
Just look at those beautiful, huge lead time, handmade, cut tiles.
A Kitchen Designed for Living
The final result is a kitchen that is as practical as it is beautiful. The expanded pantry, concealed small appliance storage, and custom cabinetry ensure effortless organization. The enhanced layout fosters connection, allowing family and guests to gather comfortably.
Oh look! My spice niche! I brought in my contractor, the rest of the remodel to this point was by the client's contractor. I knew we could cut into the wall. The fireplace is nearby but not directly behind the stove. Luckily I have the best clients and they understood why this was important. When you're sitting in their family room and look towards the kitchen, this is what you see. It was such a shame to have such a beautiful kitchen and focus on stainless steel on the wall.
IPaint Selections
(Note: Always sample colors in your own space before committing, as lighting varies.)
Walls & Ceilings: Benjamin Moore White Dove
Cabinet Uppers: Benjamin Moore White Dove
Cabinet Lowers: Benjamin Moore River Reflections
Interior of Glass & Open Cabinets: Benjamin Moore Gray Cashmere
Transform Your Own Kitchen with Jamie House Design
Now based in Denver, Jamie House Design continues to offer expert interior design services for high-end remodels in Houston and beyond. Whether you’re preserving a beloved home or updating a space to better suit your lifestyle, we bring thoughtful design, timeless materials, and unparalleled attention to detail.
If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, let’s create something extraordinary together. Contact Jamie House Design today to discuss your project.
