Balancing elegance with everyday ease, this transitional kitchen renovation by Sarah West Interiors was designed to feel timeless yet completely personal. Captured by photographer Nils Timm, this space reflects a restrained yet richly detailed approach, where custom cabinetry, layered textures, and thoughtful updates create a kitchen that’s the heart of daily living.
From Sarah West Interiors… The initial kitchen at Cordova Villa was very traditional and dated. The cabinetry was unnecessarily ornate, and the countertops were loud and fabricated with a dated edge profile. While the layout and flow were acceptable, and the house itself had great bones, the kitchen needed a major refresh to meet the clients’ vision for the home.
The clients’ goal for this project was to blend modern and traditional elements to create a warm, inviting space. I needed to maintain the original footprint of the kitchen but optimize the space to feel more open, welcoming, and functional, which we achieved through custom cabinetry. The clients had a laid-back style, so I embraced that ethos throughout the design process—keeping things timeless and working closely with the trades to ensure the details made the room feel cohesive and refined. They were fairly decisive and hands-off, so I stayed vigilant to avoid any potential pitfalls or deviations from the overall plan.
The main transformation was a major style upgrade, bringing the kitchen from the 1980s into the present day. My favorite aspect of this project was designing the completely custom cabinetry, which truly makes the kitchen shine. I thoughtfully planned the cabinetry layout to optimize the room for the clients’ needs, blending a European face frame style with alternating door designs—mixing slab fronts and shaker fronts. This approach added visual depth and highlighted the bespoke nature of the space.
The finished kitchen features detailed millwork and an open, timeless design. A central island anchors the room, offering ample workspace and storage. A large range, framed by handmade Zellige tiles in soft earthy tones, serves as a focal point, while a minimal plaster hood blends seamlessly into the surrounding walls. Floating wooden shelves with simple ceramics and wooden beams accenting the high ceilings further tie the space to the home’s Spanish-style arched windows. The overall design elegantly blends transitional and traditional elements, emphasizing simplicity, warmth, and craftsmanship.
Discover the talent behind the story… Interior Design: Sarah West Interiors · Photography: Nils Timm
