He wanted an open, comfortable space that would work better for entertaining and everyday living.
He chose Kaminskiy Design and Remodeling because of the team’s professional approach, strong reviews, and proven design-build process. Working closely with Andrea on the design, he transformed the kitchen, dining, and family room into a warm, connected living space centered around a large island, a dramatic double-sided fireplace, and a welcoming banquette.
Project Overview
The finished space.
31 photos
The existing kitchen reflected its original 1990 design, with dated finishes, outdated cabinetry, and a layout that did not support how the homeowner wanted to live in the space. More than anything, the kitchen lacked flow. It felt closed off and did not offer the openness, comfort, or functionality he wanted for entertaining and everyday use.
He needed a design-build team that could not only update the kitchen aesthetically but also rethink how the space functioned within the home. Because design was not his area of expertise, it was important to have professional guidance throughout the process, from layout planning to creative design decisions and construction execution.
Kaminskiy Design and Remodeling transformed the space by opening up the kitchen and improving its connection to the dining and family room. The new layout creates better flow, more usable space, and a much stronger sense of openness throughout the home. A large island now anchors the kitchen, while the double-sided fireplace and banquette add warmth, personality, and functionality.
Throughout the process, the homeowner worked closely with Andrea on the design, gaining support not only in shaping the overall look, but also in exploring creative ideas and practical alternatives. During construction, Brandon and his team kept the work area well contained, maintained a clean environment, and communicated clearly along the way. The result is a remodel that feels polished, comfortable, and highly livable.
Design Highlights & Innovations
One of the most distinctive features in this remodel is the balance of warmth and contrast. The cabinetry combines Waypoint island cabinetry with upper and perimeter base cabinets in complementary finishes, helping define the island while giving the overall kitchen more depth and character. The dark island adds visual weight and serves as a natural gathering point, while the surrounding cabinetry keeps the space bright and refined.
The MSI Soapstone Mist countertops bring a soft, sophisticated look to the kitchen and work beautifully with the warm wood tones, light cabinetry, and darker island base. For the backsplash, Bedrosians Cloe Ceramic tile adds texture and subtle variation, giving the walls a handcrafted look that feels timeless rather than overly formal.
The fireplace feature adds another layer of visual interest and helps connect the kitchen and family room in a memorable way. Finished with Bedrosians Magnifica Polished Porcelain tile, the new double-sided fireplace becomes both a functional feature and a strong architectural focal point. The lighting adds another layer of personality to the space and helps tie the kitchen and family room together.
Function was just as important as style. The GE Profile appliance suite supports everyday performance while maintaining a cohesive look, and details like the Blanco Precis undermount double basin SILGRANIT sink and Kohler pull-down kitchen faucet help make the space practical for cooking, cleanup, and daily use.
Video Testimonial: What the Homeowner Had to Say
Hear directly from the homeowner about what it was like to transform this original 1990 kitchen into a more open and welcoming space. In the video, he shares why he chose Kaminskiy, how Andrea helped guide the design with creative ideas and practical alternatives, and why features like the large island, double-sided fireplace, and banquette became some of his favorite parts of the remodel. He also speaks highly of Brandon and the construction team for keeping the work area clean, contained, and well managed throughout the project.
Before and after
See the transformation.
Watch this Vista home go from its original 1990 kitchen to an open kitchen, dining and family room in about a minute, with the large island, double-sided fireplace and banquette that now anchor the space.
Materials (Quick Specs)
Waypoint island, upper, and perimeter base cabinets
MSI Soapstone Mist
Bedrosians Cloe Ceramic
Bedrosians magnifica polished porcelain
GE Profile kitchen appliance suite
The Result
This remodel completely changed how the homeowner uses and enjoys his home. What was once a dated kitchen with limited flow is now a bright, open living space designed for entertaining, relaxing, and everyday comfort. The large island creates a natural gathering place, the banquette adds a welcoming seating area, and the double-sided fireplace gives the home a distinctive focal point that can be enjoyed from multiple spaces.
Beyond the finished design, the homeowner was especially impressed by the craftsmanship and professionalism of the Kaminskiy team. From design guidance to jobsite cleanliness and communication, the experience matched the quality of the finished product. The space now works better, feels better, and supports the lifestyle he had hoped to create.
