This custom kitchen renovation in Niagara completely transformed how this family uses their home. Project Burnham reimagined a closed-off, dated kitchen into an open and welcoming space designed for hosting, gathering, and everyday living.

Project Overview

Location: Niagara, Ontario
Scope: Full kitchen renovation + structural reconfiguration
Services: Design, renovation coordination, custom cabinetry, installation

The homeowners had lived in their home for many years and raised three children there. While the space had served them well during busy family seasons, it no longer supported how they wanted to live and entertain moving forward.

Their goal was clear:
Create an open, functional kitchen and living space where hosting felt effortless and connected.

The Challenge: A Kitchen That No Longer Fit the Way They Lived

Before the renovation, the main floor layout created several challenges:

• A small kitchen with a narrow peninsula limited prep space and seating
• A sunken family room hidden behind a fridge and pantry wall left the host separated from guests
• Dark cabinetry and granite countertops made the room feel smaller than it already was
• An underused dining room and an oversized secondary living room created wasted square footage
• Hosting felt awkward and disconnected, especially during gatherings

The homeowners wanted a space that felt open, bright, and welcoming—one that could grow with them for years to come.

The Renovation Plan: Opening Up the Main Floor

The renovation at Project Burnham focused on rethinking the layout entirely.

Structural Changes

Two major walls were removed:

1. Between the existing kitchen and the sunken family room
2. Between the kitchen and the dining room at the back of the home

Because both walls were load-bearing, an engineer was brought in to confirm specifications for safe removal and proper structural support.

To achieve the homeowner’s vision of one large open space with a continuous ceiling, the beams were flush-mounted by cutting into the existing joists—an investment that paid off immediately.

The result?
A flat, continuous ceiling that makes the space feel open, cohesive, and far more expansive.

Flexible Privacy with Custom Barn Doors

To balance openness with practicality:

• A walnut barn door was installed to close off the dining room when needed
• A second matching barn door provides sound insulation from upstairs bedrooms and added privacy from the front entry

The flat-panel walnut doors strike the perfect balance—classic in concept, but clean and contemporary in execution.

Custom Kitchen Renovation in Niagara – Project Burnham

This custom kitchen renovation in Niagara focused on opening up the main floor. The kitchen became the natural focal point of the home.

Statement Features

• A large stainless steel chimney hood centered over a Wolf range
• Walnut floating shelves flanking the hood for warmth and contrast
• A full soapstone slab backsplash from Great Mountain Soapstone anchoring the entire cooking zone

The oversized walnut island is impossible to miss:

• Soapstone countertops
• Seating on three sides
• Large enough to host family dinners, casual gatherings, and everyday life

Thoughtful Storage & Appliances

• A dedicated coffee and beverage area with integrated wine fridge
• Cabinetry designed for wine glasses, mugs, and daily essentials
• Adjoining pantries housing a Panasonic microwave with trim kit and extra storage
• A fully integrated Fisher & Paykel refrigerator with flat, flush-mounted doors for a seamless look

Cabinet Finish

A timeless Benjamin Moore Simply White was selected for the cabinetry, keeping the space light, airy, and classic—perfectly balancing the richness of walnut and soapstone.

A Full-Service Renovation Experience

This project highlights the full range of what Cabinet Works Plus brings to each renovation:

• Kitchen and layout design
• Structural planning and coordination
• Trades management (drywall, electrical, plumbing, flooring)
• Custom cabinetry fabrication
• Final installation and finishing

Every detail was managed to ensure the design vision carried through from concept to completion.

The Final Result

Project Burnham is now a space the homeowners can truly enjoy:

• Open, connected, and built for hosting
• Functional for everyday family life
• Designed with materials and finishes that will stand the test of time

This is a kitchen—and home—they’ll be happy living in for many years to come. For homeowners planning a custom kitchen renovation in Niagara, structural planning is key.

Thinking About a Custom Kitchen Renovation in Niagara?

If you’re ready to rethink how your kitchen functions and feels, we’d love to help you create a space that supports the way you actually live.

👉 Get in touch to start planning your custom kitchen renovation.

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