Located in Huntersville, North Carolina, this cottage-style renovation by Leah Kleynen of Kathryn Lilly Interiors is beautifully captured by Heather Ison Photography. Initially envisioned with expansive changes, this project shifted to a more streamlined renovation, focusing on maximizing natural light, seating, and storage. The result? A cozy kitchen and laid back living space reflecting the homeowner’s refreshed vision.

From the designer… This project started in February of 2022 but with a much larger scope – we envisioned switching the placement of the living room and the kitchen. We had planned to add a scullery behind the kitchen for more cabinet/pantry space, bring the owners suite down to the main level and add on for a larger ensuite. After nearly a year, a new contractor, and talking the client out of not moving, they decided to scale down their project and renovate the existing space. Before drawing up the new kitchen, the homeowner started calling it the “budget kitchen” although once we showed her the drawings she was excited again and ready to start as soon as possible.

The clients main concern was maximizing natural light, seating, and storage. We achieved that by moving the range so we could knock down the wall between the kitchen and living room to add a peninsula. The small window at the sink was switched to a large sliding window for easier access to the grill on the porch just outside and a large sliding door in the living room was added. The island was custom made from Mitchell Craft so we were able to get a better fit within the kitchen for prep work and maxed out the storage inside.

Like what you see? Take a peek at the talent behind the story… Interior Design: Leah Kleynen, Kathryn Lilly Interiors · Photography: Heather Ison Photography · Contractor: Jack Schneider, Jack of all Trades · Cabinets: Cliq Studios · Countertops: Cutting Edge Stone Works · Kitchen Island & Living Room Cabinet: Mitchell Craft