This is a real project — a complete kitchen transformation completed for a homeowner in Pasadena, California. The kitchen was original to the house, built in the early 1990s. Here is what we found, what we did, and what it cost.
The Starting Point
The kitchen had not been updated in over 30 years. Oak cabinets with broken hinges and a worn finish. Laminate countertops chipped at every edge. Vinyl flooring that had buckled and cracked in several spots. A single fluorescent ceiling fixture that made the space feel like a utility room.
The homeowner's goal was clear: a modern, functional kitchen without moving walls or relocating plumbing.
What We Did
- Replaced all cabinets with shaker-style white cabinets with soft-close hinges throughout
- Installed quartz countertops in light grey — durable, non-porous, easy to maintain
- White subway tile backsplash in a classic brick pattern with white grout
- Large-format 24×24 porcelain floor tile — fewer grout lines, easier to clean
- 6 recessed LED downlights on a dimmer, under-cabinet lighting strip, and a pendant over the sink
- Repaired moisture-damaged drywall found during demo — addressed before any new installation began
Timeline and Cost
The project ran 18 working days from demolition to final walkthrough. Total cost: $34,200 — including all labor, materials, permits, and cleanup. No change orders. No surprises.
The Result
When the homeowner walked in for the first time after completion, their words were: "It doesn't even feel like the same house."
That is what a well-executed kitchen remodel does. It changes how you experience your home every single day.
Thinking about a kitchen remodel in Pasadena or anywhere in Los Angeles County? Call for a free in-home consultation.
