During the 1950s, galley kitchens became a popular option for US homebuilders. Their small, compact size helped decrease residential construction costs as millions of families left the city for the suburbs. For one of our recent projects in South Commons, Lincoln, we transformed a cramped kitchen into a bright, open-concept space featuring bold blue cabinets, marble countertops, and an inviting island perfect for entertaining. See the full project story here.
Unfortunately, the trade-off is limited counter space for prepping meals and small appliances like the coffee maker, microwave, or air-fryer. Another drawback is a lack of storage for other necessities like dry goods, dishes, pots, and pans. Galley kitchens are also problematic for entertaining, as there is only enough room for one or two people at a time, as shown in the video below.
The remodel plans below show how this galley kitchen was transformed into a spacious entertaining hub by extending its footprint into the formal dining room space.
Kitchen Remodel Details
This kitchen project in Lincoln, MA included the following upgrades besides the stunning blue cabinets and marble countertops.
- Lazy Susan corner cabinet
- Adjustable solid shelving
- Roll out trays for easy access
- LED can light
- Central Island with storage and drawers
- Spice storage at the stove
- Pendant lights over the new island
- Over sink shelf
- 4 glass doors for displaying collectibles
- Full-height pantry
- Full-height backsplash
- Undermount sink
- New stainless-steel appliances
- Designer faucet
- Over-the-stove microwave with exhaust fan
- Continuous wood flooring throughout
Kitchen Demolition Photos
This photo shows the relocated plumbing lines and the blocking needed to support the new upper cabinets.
This photo shows the non-load-bearing metal stud framing that separated the original kitchen and dining room. With the framing removed, the kitchen and dining room have been combined into one ample open space.
And here is the completed kitchen renovation for our Lincoln, MA client
The bold blue cabinetry and textured backsplash create a stunning focal point, complementing the elegant marble countertops and stainless-steel appliances. The central island provides extra storage and improves functionality, and the modern pendant lighting adds a touch of contrast and style. With features like these, the kitchen is visually stunning for entertaining while remaining practical for everyday living.
This kitchen renovation was part of a larger remodeling project, which also included a stunning bathroom transformation with a modern walk-in shower, stylish black fixtures, and a separate powder room for added convenience. Click here for the full story.
Why Homeowners Love Bold Blue Cabinetry for Kitchen Makeovers
Blue is available in a wide range of shades, allowing homeowners to choose a shade that matches their desired aesthetic, including rustic, modern, or traditional. Blue provides a pop of color that can differentiate your kitchen from the more neutral color palettes. Lastly, blue is generally associated with tranquility, calmness, and relaxation, making it ideal for a busy space like the kitchen.
How a Custom Kitchen Renovation Improves Daily Living
While no two kitchens or families are the same, this kitchen remodel addressed the shortcomings of the original galley kitchen by increasing the size to improve the flow for the family and their guests.
With the new custom-built cabinets, this kitchen has enough storage for a busy family and all their kitchen essentials. Upgrades such as adjustable or roll-out shelves simplify the most demanding storage needs while keeping your cooking supplies within easy reach. More cabinetry means more countertop areas for prepping and cooking family meals or entertaining large groups of friends.
The new central island provides much-needed storage and a secondary seating area for casual meals. Regardless of your kitchen or island size, ensure a minimum clearance of 36” on all sides to avoid pinch points.
The new cabinets near the kitchen entrance can be used as a designated coffee or wine bar or a staging area for large family and friend gatherings.
How a Kitchen Remodel Boosts Home Values in Lincoln, MA
Whether you’re looking to improve the flow and function of your family home for the long run or to increase its value before selling, it’s hard to beat the ROI (Return on Investment) of a kitchen remodel. According to the Remodeling website 2024 Cost vs. Value Guide, a midrange kitchen remodel in the Lincoln, MA area has an ROI of 117.4%.
| Remodel Costs | Increased Value |
| $20,000 | $23,480.00 |
| $40,000 | $46,960.00 |
| $60,000 | $70,440.00 |
| $80,000 | $93,920.00 |
It’s important to understand that your final kitchen remodel costs are affected by a variety of factors, including:
- The age and condition of your home
- Removing or adding walls
- Relocating plumbing, electrical, and HVAC services
- Structural elements and their locations
- New plumbing and electrical fixtures
- The finishes you select
No matter the size of your budget, a kitchen remodel will boost your home’s value while improving its functionality.
Tips for Finding a Reliable Kitchen Remodeling Contractor in Lincoln, MA
The critical first step is to check the company’s experience performing kitchen remodels and ask the following questions.
- Do they use only top-quality materials?
- Can they provide professional kitchen design services?
- Do they have a dedicated customer service team in place?
- Can they provide affordable project financing options?
- Do they have any special promotions that could save you money?
Consider working with a design-build contractor like Bay State Remodeling to reduce construction costs and project timelines. Our in-house design team can quickly prepare your original project drawings and handle unexpected changes.
You should also review their customer testimonials to see how the company has worked with other local homeowners in your area. With over 15 years of successful remodeling projects, our attention to detail has won us numerous awards and accolades from industry leaders like Houzz, Angi, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau.
If you’re still looking for kitchen remodeling ideas for your home, please visit our gallery of kitchen remodel projects for inspiration. Whether you’re ready to remodel your kitchen today or just starting to imagine how a new kitchen could improve family life, the Bay State Remodeling team is ready to help. Call us at (617) 340-6418 or send us an email to start the conversation
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