Modern functionality meets antique charm in this stunning Missouri kitchen renovation.
Story by Ann Butenas | Photography by Matt Kocourek
In an exclusive Gladstone neighborhood where architectural diversity spans nearly eight decades, one 1980s Tudor-style home has undergone a remarkable kitchen metamorphosis. The transformation, orchestrated by Sue Shinneman, CKD, of Kitchens by Kleweno, artfully balances the homeowner’s love for antiques with contemporary convenience.
The former kitchen, with its previous heavily ornate English Tudor aesthetic of dark finishes, crown molding, and fluted columns, gave way to a more refined yet equally characterful space. The homeowners — passionate entertainers with a large extended family — required a kitchen that could serve as both a functional culinary workspace and a welcoming gathering spot.
Central to the renovation was the strategic reorganization of cooking zones. Two wall ovens, now positioned at an ergonomic height, replaced the previous configuration that awkwardly housed an oven in the island.
“Before, there was an extra oven on the island, it sat very low to the floor. We redesigned the location of the ovens to have them up higher for easier access,” Shinneman explained.
A warming drawer tucked beneath the left oven adds convenience for the culinary-minded homeowner. Flanking these appliances are distinctive walnut cabinets featuring apothecary-inspired designs — one side opening as traditional doors, the other cleverly concealing three drawers, both adorned with sophisticated leather pulls.
The enlarged island serves as the kitchen’s command center, with a versatile attached table that can either nestle against the island or be pulled out for more intimate gatherings. Its walnut top echoes the rich wood tones that thread throughout the space, creating visual harmony. Marble countertops provide an elegant workspace, their luxury amplified by marble aprons at both the main sink and cooktop.
Perhaps the most striking feature is the masterfully crafted range hood. Walnut beams connect it to the bar area, while corbels and a mantel in matching walnut frame the Italian plaster finish. Behind the cooktop, marble herringbone tile adds a subtle pattern that catches the eye without overwhelming the space.
The bar area exemplifies the renovation’s marriage of form and function. Previously lacking storage, it now boasts new cabinetry painted Dark Forest Green, a walnut countertop and display shelf, complemented by William Morris wallpaper that adds period authenticity. A glass-door refrigerator and ice maker provide modern convenience, while seeded glass cabinet fronts feature air bubbles that reference antique glasswork. The original fluted door trim to the left of the bar area was thoughtfully preserved through a fresh coat of paint, maintaining a connection to the home’s heritage.
Lighting plays a crucial role in the design’s success. While appearing charmingly vintage, all lighting fixtures are new, with local Kansas City artisans utilizing historic glass molds to create the amber island sconces and seeded glass pendant above the table. Antique reproduction sconces adorn the columns — one original and one newly added by Shinneman to create symmetry. The mixture of clear and colored glass fixtures adds depth and character to the space. The renovation included all new recessed lighting throughout, ensuring both task and ambient lighting needs are met.
Thoughtful details abound: unlacquered brass fixtures that will develop a natural patina over time, a copper bar sink that adds warmth, and an appliance garage with a lift-up pocket door that keeps counter clutter at bay. Even the electrical outlets are concealed behind recessed walnut plates in the island columns, maintaining the kitchen’s seamless aesthetic. The original floors were carefully refinished to complement the new design, while classic bin pulls on the cabinets throughout the kitchen add another layer of vintage charm.
“The owner loves antiques and likes to display her collectibles,” Shinneman noted. Working alongside fellow designer Kait Church, she created designated display areas for the homeowner’s beloved pieces while ensuring they don’t impede the kitchen’s functionality. This careful balance involved paring down display space to prioritize function while still providing ample opportunity for personal touches that make the kitchen uniquely their own.
The collaboration between the homeowner and design team proved particularly fruitful. As Shinneman recalled, the owner had a clear vision for the kitchen’s functionality, which paired perfectly with the design team’s creative solutions. The result is a space that honors the home’s original heritage while embracing modern luxury and convenience — proof that good design can bridge any temporal gap.
This renovation stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design, where every element serves both practical and aesthetic purposes. From the custom cabinetry to the carefully curated lighting, each detail contributes to a kitchen that’s as much a joy to work in as it is to admire. In this Northland home, old and new don’t just coexist — they dance together in perfect harmony.
Resources
- Kitchen Design and Cabinetry: Kitchens by Kleweno
- Stone Countertops: Dimensional Stoneworks
- Wood Countertops and Corbels: Kitchens by Kleweno
- Custom Lights: Rock Cottage Glassworks
- Kitchen Fitter and Tile Work: Upper Echelon
- Contractor: Norberg Construction
