Update February 2026 – This kitchen renovation was featured #9 in the KCMA Design Awards 2026 Lookbook. Click the link to view or visit our summary page of this and two other projects featured.
The Las Vegas Modern renovation transforms a mid‑2000s Summerlin residence into a contemporary desert retreat. After completing the Holmes Point Contemporary Lakehouse Renovation, the clients invited me to reimagine their second home in Nevada. Continuing the collaboration with them was a pleasure, and the project offered an opportunity to bring a fresh architectural vision to a well‑loved property.
The home sits within the master‑planned community of Summerlin, approximately twenty‑five minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. Mature landscaping, golf‑course views, and a gated entry create a quiet oasis that contrasts with the energy of downtown. Many homes in the neighborhood have undergone updates in recent years, and this 4,000‑square‑foot midcentury‑inspired rambler was ready for a modern redesign that would support entertaining and indoor–outdoor living.
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Kitchen Renovation
The original kitchen felt cramped and visually segmented. A large peninsula blocked circulation, and the undersized island limited functionality. The new layout introduces a ten‑foot island with an integrated nook table, creating a generous workspace and a welcoming place to begin the day.
Built In Features
The pantry is fully concealed behind custom panels with hidden hardware, creating a clean architectural backdrop. The hood, cooktop, refrigerator, and dishwasher are integrated into the cabinetry, which reduces visual fragmentation and enhances the sense of openness.
Appliances
Thermador appliances were selected for their performance and refined aesthetic. Refrigerator columns and the dishwasher are fitted with custom panels that allow them to disappear into the surrounding cabinetry. A built‑in coffee system near the dining area elevates daily routines. The gas cooktop and integrated hood form a strong focal point framed by accent cabinetry.
Plumbing Fixtures + Hardware
Champagne bronze fixtures and hardware unify the kitchen and great room. An added pot filler above the cooktop enhances functionality. The main sink features a dramatic two‑foot‑tall faucet, and a coordinating small tap provides filtered water. Granite composite workstation sinks in metallic black were used for the main kitchen sink, island sink and the wet bar. A workstation sink was installed at the main sink to offer additional functionality with useful accessories such as a cutting board, roll up drying matte and utensil holder than can all easily be tucked away.
Countertops + Tile
Porcelain slab countertops with a three‑inch mitered edge create a substantial architectural presence. Large‑format 24×48 backsplash tiles contribute to a modern, luxurious aesthetic and are easy to maintain. In the dining area, a muted artisan‑style white subway tile adds texture without competing with the kitchen finishes.
Cabinetry
Two laminate wood tones establish continuity throughout the home. A blonde finish defines the kitchen perimeter, while a contrasting espresso tone highlights the island, hood surround, and floating shelves. The fully paneled pantry blends seamlessly with the surrounding cabinetry and frames the upper hood cabinets. Removing the former peninsula allowed the kitchen to open into the dining area without obstruction.
Photos by Sumaira Amber Photography
Before + After Kitchen Comparison Photos
Dining Area
A former sitting area with built‑ins has been reimagined as a dining space that connects directly to the patio. The new layout supports indoor–outdoor entertaining and creates a more intentional flow.
A custom buffet includes dual under‑counter beverage refrigerators and a combination of open display space and closed storage. The dark cabinetry contrasts with the soft white tile, forming an elegant backdrop for the coordinating fluted dining table.
Indoor/Outdoor Living
Warm desert tones inspired the interior palette. Light oak‑look flooring is balanced with subtle green and blue accents that echo the surrounding landscape. The great room now feels cohesive, with a clear connection between the entry, living room, bar, dining area, and kitchen. Previously awkward dividers have been removed, allowing the architecture to breathe.
Bar
The redesigned bar opens directly to the patio and pool, creating an ideal space for entertaining or enjoying a drink during a round of golf. The bar includes its own dishwasher and refrigerator drawers. The previous layout was partially enclosed, but the new waterfall island allows full circulation and provides a view of the toe‑kick accent lighting. A new folding window offers convenience for outdoor entertaining.
Great Room Before Photos
BEFORE: View from the entry 
BEFORE: Entry hall view to previous front door 
BEFORE: View to previous dining space that is now the gym 
BEFORE: There was a sitting room off the kitchen that was converted to a dining room with a bar built in 
BEFORE: The built in bar was closed off with only one entry. The door the pool and window provided an opportunity to open up the view in the new design with sliding doors 
BEFORE: There were awakward pony walls that broke up the space unnecessarily 
BEFORE: The fireplace felt undrwhelming and the living room felt closed off with the pony wall 
BEFORE: The room felt cold and stark with the tile floors 
BEFORE: A large peninsula made the kitchen feel small. A tiny kitchen island made the whole kitchen feel like an after thought
Great Room
The great room now feels balanced and open, with improved sight lines and circulation. A tall fireplace tower anchors one side of the space. The opposite side features the dining built‑in, which transitions naturally to the bar. Large windows and sliding doors frame views of the golf course. A halo‑style LED chandelier in antique brass warms the living area and complements the modern dining fixture. Neutral furnishings with green accent chairs reinforce the indoor–outdoor connection.
Fireplace Tower
The fireplace tower features two book‑matched marble‑look porcelain slabs that create a striking architectural statement. A linear electric fireplace grounds the composition and balances the television mounted above. The stone harmonizes with the kitchen and bar surfaces while introducing a slightly more neutral tone.
Sliding Doors
The sitting room previously had a small door and window. These were replaced with expansive sliding doors that dramatically increase natural light and strengthen the connection to the pool and golf course. The new doors mirror the sliders in the dining area, creating symmetry and architectural consistency.
The Context: The Entry Walk Up + Courtyard
A gated courtyard separates the front door from the street. This outdoor room is shared by the entry, gym, and guest suite, and it remains one of the home’s most distinctive original architectural features.
Entry Hallway
The new front door matches the new modern feel of the space. It offers privacy while still allowing some light to enter. With the gym now fully enclosed with full height walls, interior windows were added to allow light to still pass through.
The Gym
The former dining room has been enclosed to create a flexible gym space. Interior glass windows and barn doors with an opaque privacy band allow daylight to filter through while maintaining separation. The room can easily function as an office or be converted back to a dining space. The built‑in cabinetry aligns with the great room finishes, reinforcing continuity.
Creating Continuity
Matte black window and door frames establish architectural structure. Gold‑tone fixtures add warmth and complement the cabinetry tones used throughout the kitchen, bar, dining area, and gym. Stone surfaces remain neutral, with lighter tones in the kitchen and bar and a darker tone in the gym. Light oak‑look luxury vinyl plank flooring ties the spaces together. The rounded corners on all the drywall were eliminated which greatly contributed to the new modern aesthetic.
Lighting Features
Lighting was very important in this remodel, and we integrated a lot of specialty lights that can be customized to set the mood. Toe-kick lighting, under-cabinet lighting, wall sconces, hanging lighting and recessed can lights create layers that can be easily adjusted to create the right atmosphere for cooking, relaxing or entertaining.
We kept the lighting in the kitchen minimal with some beautiful fluted glass mini pendants. Toekick lighting on a motion sensor creates nice ambience. The dining is now part of the great room and a beautiful artistic LED fixture was installed to create a lovely focal point that is contemporary and beautiful. The bar pendant lights repeat the fluted pattern in a brass version that is understated while adding to the cohesiveness of the overall design.
If you are located in the Kirkland or surrounding areas and interested in remodeling with us, please feel free to contact us below. To see more photos of the gorgeous project, vist our design studio website gallery here.
Next Up: The Bathroom + Primary Suite Transformation
The transformation of this Summerlin home continues in the next chapter, where every bathroom and the adjoining primary suite receive a complete architectural refresh. From the serene primary bathroom and its sculptural fireplace wall to the reimagined powder bath and three thoughtfully redesigned secondary baths, each space reflects a tailored balance of luxury, material continuity, and modern desert elegance. The upcoming post explores how these private rooms were elevated with refined finishes, integrated storage, and cohesive detailing that align with the home’s newly modernized aesthetic.
Professional photos by Sumaira Amber Photography. All other photos by Olivia Horine Design.
Shop The Look: Light Fixtures
Shop the Look: Kitchen Plumbing Fixtures
- Faucet – Kitchen Pot Filler
- Faucet – Kitchen Main
- Dishwasher Air Gap
- Workstation Sink – Main Kitchen
- Disposal Air Switch
- Disposal
- Disposal Flange
- Filtered Water Dispenser – Kitchen Island
- Bar Faucet – Kitchen Island
- Sink – Kitchen Island Prep Sink
- Drain – Kitchen Island
Shop the Look: Wet Bar Plumbing Fixtures
- Faucet – Bar Pull Down Faucet
- Dishwasher Air Gap
- Sink – Bar
- Drain – Bar
- Filtered Water Dispenser – Bar
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