Before & After – A Kitchen And Bathroom Remodel For This 1970s Home

A remodeled kitchen that originally had dark wood cabinets, and now has light wood cabinets and a built-in corner breakfast nook.

SHED Architecture & Design has shared their latest project, the contemporary interior remodel of a 1970s home on Seattle’s Mercer Island that was originally designed by William Rutledge.

The house met the functional needs of its new owners but did not quite suit their contemporary taste.

A 1970s home with a wood shingle and glass exterior.

Featuring original details including split levels, high ceilings, and integrated skylights, and the owners knew it only needed a gentle nudge to achieve their desired aesthetic.

Here’s what the dining area looked like before the remodel, with dark wood trim and doors.

The before photo of a dining room that had access to the kitchen through a doorway.

The new dining area was moved further into the room, while the wall on the left was removed and is now open to the kitchen. There’s also a new built-in wood cabinet, drawers, and shelving unit that sits flush with the wall.

A contemporary home with an open dining area and built-in shelving.

The previous kitchen wrapped around the corner and included dark wood cabinets and a separate corner area that was used as a breakfast nook.

Before photo of a corner kitchen with dark wood cabinets.

Before photos of a breakfast nook in a kitchen.

The new kitchen, which can be seen from the dining area, is large and open. The new custom breakfast nook was relocated to be under the skylight and next to the corner windows to take advantage of the forest views.

A remodeled kitchen with a built-in corner breakfast nook underneath the skylights and next to windows with forest views.

The space that previously housed the old breakfast nook was replaced with a longer countertop that lines the wall and corner, while wood shelving breaks up the white wall and matches the nearby cabinets and drawers.

A remodeled kitchen with wood cabinets and shelves, thick countertops, and tall windows.

A remodeled kitchen with wood cabinets, thick countertops, and tall windows.

A new and open kitchen looks out onto the dining area and forest beyond.

The updated bedroom includes floating bedside tables and has a view of the new en-suite bathroom.

An updated bedroom with an en-suite bathroom.

The original bathroom has dark vanity cabinets, white tiles in the shower, and a partial wall dividing the toilet from the rest of the bathroom.

Before photo of a bathroom in need of a remodel.

The updated bathroom is much brighter and open. The toilet was moved to be on the opposite side of the floating double vanity, while a new bath has been built into the space, and the updated shower includes walls lined with white penny tiles. A wrap-around wood wall detail surrounds the window and a large horizontal mirror.