Before
After
The homeowners contacted us to update their existing kitchen renovation in Central Florida with a brighter, more refined look while keeping the overall layout intact. The original space featured a heavy wood island base with dark countertops that visually anchored the room and made it feel more traditional than they preferred. Their goal was to create a lighter, more current kitchen renovation that still felt warm and appropriate for everyday living.
To achieve this, we redesigned the island as the visual centerpiece of the space. We replaced the original dark countertop with a large white quartz surface that immediately opened up the room and created a cleaner working area. The island base was updated in a deep black finish to introduce contrast and structure. One of the most important design decisions Marilou Stones introduced was the addition of a custom black statement range hood, which now anchors the cooking wall and adds architectural definition. We also refreshed the backsplash with a light patterned tile and updated the island faucet to a matte black finish, reinforcing the new palette. These layered updates are a signature part of Marilou’s approach to kitchen renovation projects across Central Florida.
The result is a kitchen renovation that feels brighter, more intentional, and visually balanced. The large island now functions as both a preparation space and gathering point, while the black hood and island base create a cohesive focal line across the room. This transformation reflects how thoughtful material changes can modernize a kitchen without altering its footprint, a strategy we often use in Winter Garden, FL and throughout Central Florida homes.
Yes, many kitchens can be significantly improved without moving walls or appliances. In this project, we focused on replacing the island countertop, updating finishes, and adding a custom black range hood. These changes created a more modern look while keeping construction efficient and controlled.
We selected a white quartz because it reflects light, improves visual openness, and performs well for everyday use. Compared to the original dark countertop, the quartz surface makes the island feel larger and brighter while offering durability and easy maintenance for busy households.
Yes, a black range hood can add architectural contrast in kitchens with lighter cabinetry, which is common in Central Florida homes. In this project, the hood created a focal point that balanced the white cabinetry and connected visually with the updated island base.
A finish-focused kitchen renovation like this typically takes 4–8 weeks depending on fabrication timelines for countertops and custom elements. Because we kept the original layout, the process remained more efficient than a full structural remodel.
The island is often the most used surface in a kitchen, so updating it has a major impact on both function and appearance. In this project, enlarging the white quartz work surface improved seating, prep space, and overall flow without requiring major structural changes.
Every transformation on this page started with a conversation.
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Marilou Stones is an award-winning, licensed interior designer and ASID member serving Winter Garden and Central Florida for over 40 years.
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