West 21st Street Project

Something old, something new, something blue. This kitchen transformation blends timeless charm with thoughtful updates creating a space that feels refreshed yet rooted in the home’s original character. The design steers away from the expected all-white kitchen, instead layering in warmth, detail, and personality at every turn.

Project Summary

The Client

A homeowner with a love for vintage details and functional design, seeking a kitchen that could honor the home’s history while incorporating modern updates, storage solutions, and distinctive features that reflect her style.

The Challenge

The kitchen needed a fresh identity without losing its original appeal. The client hoped to preserve the existing base cabinets while reimagining the upper cabinetry, storage features, and focal points in a way that balanced practicality and beauty. She wanted to avoid the “safe” all-white kitchen look and instead create a space full of character, maximizing both storage and flow.

The Solution

Sterling Woodworks removed the soffit and extended the upper cabinets to the ceiling, maximizing storage and giving the kitchen a bold, custom feel. Floating shelves were added in the coffee nook, creating display space and personality without sacrificing functionality. A steel framed divided light casement window transformed the view. While custom cabinetry details, a coppersmith statement hood, and smart organizational features elevated both the style and function of the space. Every choice emphasized individuality and strays away from the all-white kitchen aesthetic.

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Additional Challenges

Challenge: Standard storage wasn’t functional and clutter collected easily.
Challenge: The existing kitchen lacked standout design elements.
Challenge: The built-in dining room cabinetry felt outdated.

SWW Solutions

Solution: Added floating shelves in the coffee nook, a modernized appliance garage, a lazy Susan, and a sheet-pan organizer above the refrigerator—all designed to maximize storage while keeping the kitchen visually unique and organized.
Solution: Introduced a coppersmith hood and steel framed window, creating bold focal points that elevate the space while blending seamlessly with the home’s character.
Solution: Updated the coffee nook cabinetry and surrounding details to flow with the new kitchen design, extending the personality-driven choices throughout the space.

Timeless and Functional

“I wanted a kitchen that felt timeless but also worked better for my everyday life. Sterling Woodworks found a way to preserve the heart of my home while giving me smart storage, beautiful details, and a touch of personality I adore. Most importantly, it doesn’t feel like every other white kitchen - I wanted something that’s truly mine.“