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Karks Contracting · Hamilton & Southern Ontario

Modern Kitchen Renovation

A closer look at a dark-cabinet kitchen renovation, including installation progress, counters, backsplash work, lighting, and the completed space.

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After the kitchen renovation: dark cabinetry, a veined stone island, pendant lights and an open view into the living room
After the wall was removed, the dark-cabinet kitchen and stone island open directly to the living room.

Before & After

A More Open Kitchen and Living Space

See this kitchen renovation from the original oak-cabinet layout through the connected kitchen and living area after the wall was removed.

Before the kitchen renovation: oak cabinets and a cooktop island beside a doorway to the living room

Before

Before: Original Kitchen Layout

The original kitchen had oak cabinetry and a central cooktop island, with the living room beyond a doorway.

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Second view of the renovated kitchen with dark cabinets, a veined island, built-in ovens and timber framing around the living room

After

A Connected Kitchen Layout

A second finished view shows the new opening between the dark cabinetry, stone island and living room.

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Living room adjoining the renovated kitchen with exposed timber beams, a stone fireplace, built-in shelving and a large black-framed window

After

The Adjoining Living Space

The connected living room completes the more open kitchen and living area, with exposed beams, a stone fireplace and built-in shelving.

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This kitchen renovation removed a wall to open the kitchen to the adjoining living room. The before-and-after photographs show the original oak cabinetry and cooktop island, then the connected space with dark cabinetry, bright stone work surfaces, coordinated lighting, and finished transitions.

Opening the Kitchen to the Living Room

Removing the wall changed how the kitchen connects to the adjoining living area. The updated opening, stone island, dark cabinetry, and coordinated lighting create a continuous view between the two rooms. The photographs show the original kitchen first, followed by the completed kitchen and living-room views.

Visible Project Scope

  • Wall removal and finish coordination to open the kitchen to the living room
  • Cabinet installation and alignment
  • Countertop and backsplash coordination
  • Electrical, lighting, and appliance integration
  • Trim, hardware, and final finishing

Choosing Cabinets and Work Surfaces

Use the photographs to compare dark cabinet fronts, lighter work surfaces, and backsplash coverage. For your own kitchen, bring appliance dimensions and a list of storage needs so cabinet openings, worktop space, and lighting can be planned together.

Explore related renovation services and budget planning before requesting a similar project.

Before & After: More from Our Project Collection

A closer look at additional completed Karks projects. These photographs show separate examples within our kitchen collection.

Karks Contracting kitchen renovation before and after, from oak cabinetry to dark cabinetry with a large island and pendant lights
Rethinking the Kitchen Layout

This kitchen comparison shows a new layout, dark cabinetry, a large island and pendant lighting. Layout changes affect clearances, cabinetry quantities, appliance positions and trade work.

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Karks Contracting kitchen renovation before and after, showing original oak cabinets above and a white-and-wood kitchen with new lighting and flooring below
A Lighter Kitchen Finish Palette

A wall was removed and the kitchen was pushed back to create more room and open up the layout. White upper cabinets, wood lower cabinets, updated lighting and flooring create a lighter finish palette. Compare storage, work surfaces and installation allowances when planning your own kitchen.

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Planning and Workmanship

Every renovation starts with the existing conditions at the property. Measurements, material compatibility, access, plumbing, electrical work, ventilation, structure, permits, and the construction sequence are reviewed before the final scope is confirmed.

Discuss a Similar Project

Use these photographs as a starting point, then contact Karks Contracting with your room dimensions, goals, preferred finishes, photographs, budget range, and timeline.