![Schaaf says the kitchen “definitely [has] a subtle European influence with the creamy cabinetry, the warm tones, tiled floor and beautiful backsplash.” The Shaker-style kitchen cabinetry, range hood, backsplash and quartz countertops are all from CTW Design Center in McFarland.](https://bravamagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/DSC4647-870x580.jpg)
By Shayna Mace | Photos by Angelina Dimodica Swenson
The mood board found here was inspired by a home renovation project Kim Schaaf, co-founder and principal designer at Linen & Clove, recently worked on.
A young family turned to Schaaf to address functional challenges in their 1965 home. While the layout no longer met their needs, they loved both the house and the neighborhood and wanted to stay. Together, the couple and Schaaf focused on reworking the kitchen and main living area.
Schaaf notes that the kitchen had a small footprint — and the family didn’t have full-size appliances. The stove was against a wall, so it made cooking difficult. There was also a lack of counter space and storage.
“There were challenges to how this family could function in this space. And aesthetically, it was ready for an update,” explains Schaaf.
Schaaf says that the couple wanted to keep the original footprint of the kitchen, but create more usable space. After reviewing several layout options, they landed on seemingly small tweaks to the floor plan that made a huge difference.
First, they closed the entryway from the garage that went downstairs by replacing the railing with a wall. The family’s new built-ins were placed here — along with a pantry. A pony wall that separated the kitchen from the living room was removed and the opening was closed so that the kitchen gained more wall space — perfect for adding more counters and accommodating full-size appliances.
“I think they gained four feet of counter space!” says Schaaf. “It’s really incredible the amount of space that we were able to gain just by really thinking hard about that layout.”
Schaaf and the couple also revamped the adjacent living room. The kitchen’s creamy tones were a jumping-off point for the living room’s airy aesthetic that’s grounded with darker pops of walnut and mushroom brown.
Schaaf says the family is very happy with the results of their renovation.
“They were thrilled. They were a lovely family to work with, and [the design] has impacted how they function [every day in their home] and they’re excited about that,” says Schaaf.
