A Modern Mountain Kitchen: A Salt Lake City Transformation
When Shannon Snow and her family decided to buy and renovate their 1968 Salt Lake City home, they envisioned more than just a kitchen update—they sought to create a space that would become the soul of their home. The result? A graceful blend of contemporary design and functional elegance that transformed their space into a home they never want to leave.
Pale Pink to Pristine
The original kitchen, with its pink finishes and cramped peninsula, presented significant challenges. "You couldn't even have the fridge open and be sitting at the peninsula because it was so tight," Shannon recalls. This spatial constraint, coupled with failing appliances—including an oven that couldn't maintain temperature and a single functioning burner—made the need for renovation clear.
Clean Lines, Warm Functionality
Opting for FORM Kitchens' Oak Montreal cabinetry, Shannon's design choices reflect her inherent understanding of how materials and space work together. The kitchen's aesthetic strikes a restful balance between minimalist principles and lived-in comfort, featuring:
- A spacious island that serves as both a cooking workspace and family gathering spot
- Full-height cabinetry with clean lines that maximize storage while maintaining visual simplicity
- Strategic placement of appliances, including a concealed microwave drawer and integrated refrigerator
- A thoughtfully designed coffee station that adds functionality without compromising aesthetics
Architectural Transformation
The renovation extended beyond mere cabinet replacement. By removing walls and relocating HVAC systems, the team created an open-concept space that fundamentally changed how the family interacts with their home. The kitchen now flows seamlessly into living areas, allowing Shannon to remain connected with family while cooking.
"I felt lonely in the old kitchen because it was all walled in," Shannon explains. "Now, with the open dining area and seating space, everything feels connected."
Family Life Baked In
For Shannon, who loves to bake and cook, the kitchen's functionality was paramount. The design incorporates several thoughtful features:
- Wide drawers instead of traditional cabinets for better organization
- Dedicated baking stations with ample counter space for pizza and bread making
- Strategically placed spice and sauce drawers flanking the range
- Integrated charging stations in the island that cleverly encourage family gathering
"I'm in here most of the time," Shannon shares. "Everything has its place, and it's all right where I need it to be."
Material Choices That Matter
The selection of materials played a crucial role in achieving both style and functional goals. The quartz countertops, while initially considered above budget, proved to be a worthy investment. Their durability for baking, combined with subtle veining that reminds Shannon of a memorable trip to Iceland, adds both practical value and personal meaning to the space.
"Our installer said the FORM cabinets were such good quality that they deserved good quality countertops", Shannon recalls.
Beyond the Kitchen
The renovation's impact extended throughout the home's main level. New flooring creates a cohesive foundation, while thoughtful additions like a push-latch entryway closet demonstrate attention to detail at every turn. These improvements have transformed not just how the family cooks and eats, but how they use the whole home.
A Testament to Transformation
Perhaps the most telling measure of success? When Shannon and her husband recently considered moving to a neighborhood closer to their son's school, they realized they couldn't leave their custom kitchen behind. "We'll never move because of our kitchen," Shannon declares.
This kitchen transformation stands as a testament to how thoughtful design can elevate not just a space, but the daily life of a family. In the shadow of Salt Lake City's mountains, Shannon's kitchen has become more than just a place to cook—it's the heart of a home reimagined for modern living.
"It's exactly what we wanted. We designed it. It fits us perfectly."
Ready to begin your own kitchen transformation? Book a free design consultation with a Studio Manager today.
Images: Shannon Snow
