Tradition Meets Tomorrow - Kansas City Homes & Style

Historic charm blends with modern function in this Westwood Hills kitchen renovation project.

Story by Ann Butenas | Photography by Matt Kocourek

When the owners of a 1920s home in the National Historic District of Westwood Hills decided it was time to update their kitchen, they faced a common dilemma: how to incorporate modern amenities while preserving the historical character that made them fall in love with the house in the first place. They turned to Jill Painter, CKD, owner and designer at Bella Kitchens, who transformed their dysfunctional space into a masterpiece that bridges past and present.

“Space planning was a huge challenge with this project,” Painter recalled. “The owners had a comprehensive wish list for their new kitchen, and the existing layout wasn’t doing them any favors.” The original kitchen suffered from a disconnected workflow, with the sink and range positioned on opposite walls, and lacked any seating area. An adjacent room served as a makeshift office, creating an awkward division of space.

Painter’s solution began with removing the wall between the kitchen and office area, creating an L-shaped floor plan that opened new possibilities. In a nod to the home’s heritage, she carefully salvaged the original arched doorway, which was stripped, refinished, and repurposed as the new entrance to the dining room. This thoughtful preservation of architectural elements would set the tone for the entire renovation.

The redesign centered around a clever peninsula that transformed both the functionality and aesthetics of the space. By moving the sink from the exterior wall to the peninsula, Painter created a more efficient work triangle while incorporating casual seating for four. The peninsula’s stunning waterfall edge in Taj Mahal quartzite makes a striking first impression visible from the front entry, serving as a perfect blend of form and function.

“We wanted to keep the traditional historical feel while creating a bright, welcoming space,” Painter indicated. This balance was achieved through a carefully curated material palette. Rich cherry wood base cabinets pay homage to the home’s traditional character, while soft off-white upper cabinets keep the space feeling fresh and contemporary. Brass pendant lights above the peninsula add a touch of warmth and sophistication.

The cooking area received special attention, featuring a professional-grade range top crowned by a stainless-steel hood whose gentle curve echoes the archway of the salvaged door – a subtle detail that speaks to Painter’s eye for cohesive design. A custom-made Carrara marble feature above the cooktop is complemented by classic green subway tile, offering a historically appropriate accent that feels both timeless and fresh.

Storage solutions were at top of Painter’s design mind in the new design. A former alcove near the back door was converted into a practical pantry, and every inch of space was maximized through strategic planning. The renovation extended into the former office area, where Painter installed a sophisticated bar and serving area that creates a natural flow into the dining room. A panel-ready refrigerator seamlessly blends with the cabinetry, while a speed-cook microwave above the single oven adds modern convenience without compromising style.

The transformation was completed by replacing the old tile floors with hardwood, stained to match the adjacent living and dining rooms. Two windows in the former office space were thoughtfully shortened and centered, ensuring proper proportion while maximizing natural light. The champagne bronze faucet adds another layer of refined detail to the space.

Painter collaborated with Sid & Co., Sudermann Interior Design on the finishes, coordinating the kitchen renovation with a broader refresh of the first floor. This partnership ensured that the kitchen’s design would harmonize perfectly with the updates to the living and dining rooms, creating a natural flow throughout the main level.

Having an older home can be challenging in terms of space restrictions along with our desire to modernize certain things while also respecting the history of the home,” expressed the homeowners. “Jill’s designs and use of materials maintained the character of our historic home while also seamlessly bringing modern convenience to the space.”

Throughout the course of the project, Painter kept in close contact with the contractor, making sure the project ran smoothly, and the homeowners couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome. The result is a kitchen that feels both of-the-moment and thoroughly appropriate to the home’s historic character. By combining traditional elements with modern amenities, Painter created a space that works as beautifully as it looks.

“We used every single inch and were very strategic in our approach,” she noted. “Everything was well thought out in this design.”

This thoughtful renovation proves that with careful planning and attention to detail, it’s possible to bring historic homes into the present while preserving the architectural details that make them special. The kitchen now serves as both a functional cooking space and a gathering place, harmoniously bridging the gap between the home’s past and present.