Some of our favorite projects come from families we’ve had the pleasure of working with before. The homeowners at Pheasant Ridge first partnered with Peacock & Co. more than a decade ago on a primary bathroom remodel. When it was time to reimagine their kitchen, they knew who to call.
This kitchen remodeling project focused on making thoughtful, timeless updates that would fit perfectly into their traditional home. From refinished hardwood floors to new cabinetry, lighting, and countertops, the remodel is at home in any era but delivers on the demands of modern life. Careful planning in the early stages made all the difference, ensuring the design-build process ran smoothly and delivered exactly what the homeowners envisioned.
Table of Contents
Client Goals and Priorities
The homeowners came into this project with a clear vision. They wanted a kitchen that felt brighter and more inviting but avoided the cold tones and greys that dominate many modern remodels. Their goal was a space that would look refreshed while feeling cohesive with the rest of their home’s traditional character.
They also placed a premium on flow and function. We created an island and beverage area to serve as true hubs of daily life, balancing style with practical storage and seating. By working closely with our design team, they were able to refine that vision into a plan that captured both the look and the lifestyle they were after.
Key Design Updates and Materials
This remodel balanced classic style with modern function. Every element was carefully chosen to brighten the kitchen while keeping it warm, inviting, and cohesive with the rest of the traditional home.
Floors That Shine Like New
The existing hardwood floors were refinished rather than replaced, preserving the home’s original character and ensuring a seamless transition between rooms. The lighter finish reflects more natural light, helping the space feel brighter without losing warmth.
Cabinets That Do the Heavy Lifting
Cabinetry played a central role in the new design. The perimeter features light, timeless cabinetry that visually expands the room, while the island and beverage station use wood bases for added depth and contrast. This two-tone approach keeps the kitchen fresh while staying in line with the home’s traditional style, and it’s a great reminder of how much impact the right kitchen cabinet styles can have on the overall feel of a space..
Quartz with Quiet Confidence
Durable quartz countertops offer a clean, polished look and low-maintenance durability. Their light tone complements the cabinetry and brightens the workspace without feeling cold or sterile.
Classic Tile, Fresh Take
The backsplash is a subtle but important detail. Classic porcelain tile adds texture and interest while maintaining a neutral palette. This understated look ensures the backsplash enhances the cabinetry and countertops without overwhelming the room.
Fixtures That Keep It Flowing
Updated plumbing fixtures bring functionality up to modern standards. Sleek, timeless selections ensure the fixtures feel integrated with the home’s traditional design, rather than standing out as overly contemporary.
Bright Ideas Done Right
Oversized pendant lights crown the island, creating both task lighting and a bold design statement. Their warm finish ties into the wood cabinetry and flooring, ensuring balance between the bright surfaces and the warmer accents in the room.
No Greys, No Worries
Every material and finish needed to contribute to a bright kitchen while avoiding cool greys or overly trendy tones. The combination of light cabinetry, warm wood, durable quartz, and porcelain details achieves a timeless look that feels perfectly at home within the house’s existing architecture.
Wondering what this or other remodels cost in South Bend this year? Check our complimentary cost guide to see updated local costs for the project you've got in mind.
Layout Improvements
The updates to the layout may look simple, but they transformed how this kitchen works day to day. By focusing on actual use patterns and needs, the design team turned underused corners into purposeful, beautiful features.
From Desk to Beverage Station
The original kitchen included a built-in desk that rarely got used. Rather than keeping wasted space, it was removed and replaced with a beverage station. The new feature includes wood base cabinetry to ground the design, glass-front uppers for display, and plenty of counter space for coffee, cocktails, or both.
An Island That Does It All
We reimagined the kitchen island as the true centerpiece of the room. It now incorporates both seating and cooking space, so it works for meal prep, family breakfasts, and casual entertaining alike, echoing the same priorities you’d want to keep in mind when designing a kitchen for hosting. Warm wood cabinetry at the base anchors the island and ties it visually to the beverage station, while the quartz countertop keeps the look crisp and bright.
A Breakfast Nook Full of Light
One of the most charming parts of this remodel is the way natural light fills the kitchen. The bay window breakfast nook brings in sunshine throughout the day, making it a favorite spot for morning coffee or casual family meals.
The design team kept the finishes around the nook intentionally light and understated, allowing the view outside to take center stage. By pairing the refinished hardwood floors with the bright cabinetry nearby, the space feels open and welcoming without losing the traditional warmth the homeowners wanted to preserve.
Design Challenges and Solutions
No remodel is without its puzzles; it's how you assemble the pieces that makes a lasting impression. We take on every challenge with curiosity and ingenuity.
The Microwave Dilemma
The homeowners knew exactly what they didn’t want: a microwave sitting on the counter or built awkwardly into upper cabinetry. But that left the question, where should it go? Working through options in the design phase allowed the team to get creative. Ultimately, Peacock designed a custom cabinet that conceals the microwave completely when not in use. This kept sightlines clean, preserved the traditional look of the cabinetry, and gave the homeowners the practical solution they needed without compromising style.
Ready to Remodel Your Kitchen in South Bend or Harbor Country?
Whether you’re looking for thoughtful updates or a complete transformation, our design-build team is here to guide you through every step. With careful planning, clear communication, and a fixed-price quote, we make the remodeling process smooth and predictable.
Let’s design a kitchen that feels timeless, functional, and uniquely yours. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
