Project Overview

The homeowners of this Mercer Island property approached Grand Building Construction with a vision to transform their dated and closed-off kitchen into a bright, modern, and highly functional space. Their primary goals were to create a more open layout, increase natural light, and update the aesthetic to reflect a clean, contemporary style. The existing kitchen felt cramped, and the original island was not optimized for workflow or seating. The challenge was to reconfigure the space without significant structural changes, maximizing both style and efficiency.

Our team worked closely with the clients to develop a design that not only met but exceeded their expectations. The transformation began with a complete demolition of the old kitchen. We then reconfigured the layout, centering the design around a new, larger island featuring a stunning fluted wood panel detail that adds texture and a high-end custom touch. To create the desired bright and airy feel, we paired contrasting wood-grain upper cabinets with sleek, modern lower cabinets. The installation of Calacatta quartz countertops and a matching full-height backsplash around the window reflects and amplifies the natural light, making the entire room feel more spacious and open. The new engineered hardwood flooring seamlessly connects the kitchen to the rest of the home, completing this beautiful and dramatic transformation.

Project Details

Materials & Finishes Used

• Countertops: Calacatta quartz countertops by Caesarstone with a polished finish.
• Backsplash: Full-height matching Calacatta quartz backsplash.
• Cabinetry: Custom-built upper cabinets in a natural wood-grain finish and lower cabinets in a matte white finish.
• Island Accent: Custom fluted wood paneling in a dark walnut stain.
• Flooring: 7-inch wide plank engineered oak hardwood flooring in a natural finish.
• Cabinet Hardware: Amerock’s “Allison Value” collection in a matte black finish.
• Sink: Kraus Standart PRO 32-inch 16 Gauge Undermount Single Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink.
• Faucet: Delta Trinsic Single-Handle Pull-Down Sprayer Kitchen Faucet in Matte Black.
• Lighting: LED recessed ceiling lights and under-cabinet lighting.

Our Process

At Grand Building Construction, we follow a proven, client-focused process to ensure every project is a success. For this Mercer Island kitchen, our approach included:

1. Initial Consultation & Design: We started with an in-depth consultation to understand the homeowners’ vision, needs, and budget. Our design team then created detailed 3D renderings to help them visualize the final space.
2. Demolition and Preparation: Once the design was approved, our crew carefully demolished the existing kitchen and prepared the space for the new layout, ensuring all plumbing and electrical were ready for the updated design.
3. Installation: This phase involved the meticulous installation of new flooring, cabinetry, countertops, and appliances. Our skilled craftsmen ensured every detail, from the fluted island paneling to the full-height backsplash, was executed flawlessly.
4. Finishing Touches: With the main components in place, we focused on the finishing touches, including hardware installation, painting, and lighting fixture placement to bring the whole design together.
5. Final Walkthrough & Handover: We conducted a final walkthrough with the homeowners to ensure every aspect of their new kitchen met their complete satisfaction before officially handing over the beautiful, completed space.

Permitting & Code Compliance

A comprehensive kitchen remodel of this nature in Mercer Island, WA, requires careful attention to local building codes and permitting. For this project, building, electrical, and plumbing permits were necessary to accommodate the redesigned island and updated layout. Grand Building Construction managed the entire permitting process on behalf of the homeowner. This included submitting detailed plans to the city, coordinating all required inspections, and ensuring that every aspect of the construction was fully compliant with Washington state and local codes. Our deep understanding of these requirements allows for a smooth and hassle-free process for our clients. See more of our work in our before and after gallery.

Why Choose Grand Building Construction?

Grand Building Construction is a family-owned remodeling company dedicated to providing homeowners in the greater Seattle/Tacoma area with exceptional quality and honest, transparent service. We believe in delivering a final product that you and your family will love for years to come. Our pricing is competitive, and we pride ourselves on our flexibility and commitment to working within your budget without ever compromising on the quality of our work. We understand that a remodel is a significant investment, and we are committed to making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. For more information on budgeting for your project, check out our remodeling cost guide.