Must See Christiana PA Kitchen Remodel Before and After
LOCATION
Christiana, Pennsylvania (Lancaster County)
PROJECT TYPE
Complete Kitchen Remodel and Addition
INVESTMENT RANGE
$250,000 - $350,000
CLIENT GOALS
Create a warmer, brighter, and more functional kitchen with added workspace, better natural light, improved comfort, and timeless finishes that honor the character of the home.
Historic Kitchen Remodel & Addition in Christiana, PA
Older homes have a character that cannot be replicated. The craftsmanship, architectural details, and history all help make the space feel special. But when a kitchen no longer supports the way a homeowner wants to live, a thoughtful remodel can make all the difference.
For this featured project in historic Christiana, PA, our homeowner wanted to update an old kitchen that felt dark, cold, and limited in function. The existing space had very little natural light, no insulation, and not enough workspace for everyday cooking, gathering, and entertaining.
The goal was to create a warm, bright, and inviting kitchen while preserving the charm of the home’s 1800s history.
The Challenge: A Dark, Cold Kitchen With Limited Workspace
Before the remodel, the kitchen felt outdated and closed in. The lack of insulation made the room uncomfortable, especially during colder months, and the limited sunlight made the kitchen feel darker than the homeowner wanted.
The space also did not provide enough usable countertop area or work zones. For a kitchen to feel functional, it needs more than beautiful finishes. It needs smart design, comfortable flow, and practical space for daily use.
KBE Design Build approached this project with a clear goal: expand the room, improve comfort, increase natural light, and create a design that felt timeless within the home.
Expanding the Kitchen With a 125-Square-Foot Addition
To solve the layout and workspace challenges, our team added an addition of approximately 125 square feet. This gave the homeowner more room to cook, move, store essentials, and enjoy the kitchen as a true living space.
The addition also allowed us to rethink the way natural light entered the room. We installed three large new windows and a glass patio door, helping the kitchen feel brighter, more open, and more connected to the outdoors.
This added square footage created a more comfortable footprint while maintaining the historic character of the home.
Creating a Warmer, More Comfortable Space
Because the original kitchen had no insulation, comfort was a major priority. Our team insulated the older section of the room to help improve warmth and efficiency.
We also installed a warming floor system beneath the tile floors. This small detail makes a significant difference in how the kitchen feels during everyday use. Instead of being cold and uninviting, the new space feels warm, cozy, and comfortable.
For a historic home, these updates help bring modern comfort into the space without taking away from the home’s original charm.
A Bright, Timeless Kitchen Design
The finished kitchen features beautiful white cabinetry, tile floors, and quartz countertops. These selections help brighten the space and create a clean, classic foundation.
To add contrast and visual interest, we incorporated a charcoal glaze beverage bar with dark countertops. This feature gives the kitchen a custom look while creating a dedicated area for drinks, entertaining, and extra storage.
The paneled appliances were another important design choice. By blending the appliances into the cabinetry, the kitchen maintains a seamless and refined appearance.
Highlighting the Home’s Original Copper Hood
One of the most meaningful features of this project was the homeowner’s gorgeous copper hood, which is original to the 1800s historical home.
Rather than designing around it as an obstacle, we made it a focal point.
Our team crafted a vaulted ceiling to make the kitchen feel even larger and to showcase the copper hood properly. The result is a kitchen that feels open, elegant, and connected to the home’s history.
This is where thoughtful design matters most. The finished space does not feel like a modern kitchen forced into an older home. It feels like a natural evolution of the home itself.
The Final Result: Historic Charm With Modern Comfort
This Christiana kitchen remodel gave the homeowner a brighter, warmer, and more functional space while preserving the unique details that made the home special.
The new kitchen now includes:
- Approximately 125 square feet of added space
- Three large new windows
- A glass patio door for added natural light
- Insulation in the original section of the room
- Radiant warming floors beneath the tile
- White cabinetry and quartz countertops
- A contrasting charcoal glaze beverage bar
- Paneled appliances for a seamless look
- A vaulted ceiling showcasing the original copper hood
The result is a beautiful kitchen that honors the home’s past while supporting the homeowner’s present-day lifestyle.
Planning a Kitchen Remodel or Home Addition in Lancaster County? KBE Design Build helps homeowners create thoughtful, customized spaces that blend beauty, function, and long-term comfort. Whether you are remodeling a kitchen, planning a home addition, or updating a historic property, our team can help you design and build a space that feels right for your home. Explore more completed projects, learn about our design-build process, or schedule a consultation to start planning your renovation today.
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