Kitchen Remodel Inspired by Aaron Paul’s Riverside Retreat

A 1960s ranch-style home with a small, enclosed galley kitchen desperately needed a transformation. The original layout was cramped and separated from the rest of the house by a dividing wall, making it feel isolated and limiting both functionality and natural light.

The homeowner, inspired by Aaron Paul’s rustic riverside retreat in Idaho, envisioned a warm, open-concept kitchen with natural textures, minimal upper cabinetry, and a cozy yet modern aesthetic.

A Space-Opening Transformation

To create the expansive feel the client wanted, we removed the dividing wall and incorporated the adjacent dining room into the kitchen, adding over 150 square feet of additional space. The high-angled ceilings, enhanced by minimalist recessed lighting, contribute to the openness of the design.

Rustic and Refined Design Elements

This kitchen breaks convention by forgoing upper cabinets, allowing the natural beauty of the materials to take center stage. The lower cabinetry, crafted in Ingalis Oak with a Buckskin finish, introduces a warm, earthy tone that pairs beautifully with the counter-to-ceiling backsplash of Wellfleet Seashell Ceramic Tiles.

For the countertops, the homeowner chose Rugged Concrete Caesarstone, offering both durability and an organic, stone-like appeal. The island—undoubtedly the centerpiece of the kitchen—is massive, with cabinetry on both the front and back. In fact, this island alone might be larger than the original kitchen itself!

Thoughtful and Personalized Touches

Several elements of this space were thoughtfully selected by the homeowner, including wood shade pendant lights and sconces positioned over shuttered windows, which add a personalized rustic charm. Gold and black GE Café appliances tie all of the matte black finishes together. The matte black apron-front sink, along with the complementing Brizo plumbing fixtures and cabinet hardware, add to the refined contrast of this space. The entire space is grounded by Sea Salt Oak luxury vinyl plank flooring, providing both durability and the rich character of natural wood.

The final result? A kitchen that blends rustic warmth with modern luxury—one that Aaron Paul himself would envy.

Before and Afters