A Kitchen Overhaul

By Katherine Sauceda

Designer Rosa Moreno proves that great kitchens aren’t just built–they’re reimagined. Her thoughtful renovation balances elegance, function and individuality in perfect harmony, transforming a lackluster builder-grade kitchen into a cohesive, character-rich space that feels as personal as it is practical

Fresh from across the pond, this UK family fell in love with their new home in the U.S., except for one space that didn’t quite measure up: the kitchen. The existing space was dark and disjointed, filled with builder-grade materials that lacked both craftsmanship and character. Enter Rosa Moreno, founder and designer of Rosa Moreno Kitchens. “The layout simply didn’t support how they lived and cooked together,” said Moreno. “Our goal was to create a bright, functional and well-crafted space that truly reflected their lifestyle.”

From the start, Moreno focused on three priorities: open flow, accessibility and understated elegance. The homeowner preferred not to have upper cabinets, so Moreno got creative with storage. “We maximized the lower cabinetry and completely rethought the pantry,” she explained. “Relocating the pantry door into the main kitchen made the space feel cohesive, while reclaiming extra square footage from a former bar created generous storage.”

The result is a kitchen filled with personality and thoughtful design details, like a marble-framed window that turns natural light into the main attraction and repurposed brass hardware that adds timeless charm. “Every detail was carefully planned for their lifestyle,” said Moreno. “We looked into different possibilities until my client was happy with the final layout and materials.

Her favorite element? The reimagined pantry. “It’s not only more practical, it also reshaped the way the kitchen works day-to-day,” Moreno shares. “Plus, the color is such a wow factor!”

Perhaps the most striking design decision was leaving out wall cabinets altogether. “It gives the kitchen an airy, uncluttered atmosphere while putting the focus on clean lines and beautiful finishes,” Moreno noted. “Bold moves like this are important because they define the character of a project. It’s where design becomes personal and memorable rather than generic.”

Her advice for homeowners starting a remodel? “Ask yourself how you want your kitchen to feel, what are your daily habits and what personal details will make this kitchen uniquely mine. These questions not only shape the design but ensure the finished space reflects both their lifestyle and personality.”

Resources

• General Contractor: LCS Renovations
• Countertops: Construction Resources
• Cabinetry: H & A Custom Woodworks
• Plumbing and Light Fixtures: PDI: Kitchen, Bath and Lighting
• Kitchen Cabinet Color: Accessible Beige by Sherwin-Williams
• Island Cabinet Color: White Oak by Sherwin-Williams
• Pantry Cabinet Color: Stone Blue by Farrow and Ball
• Appliances: Sub-Zero and Wolf
• Plumbing: Kohler
• Lighting: Visual Comfort

Rosa Moreno is the owner and lead designer of Rosa Moreno Kitchens, a full-service kitchen design and remodeling company that partners closely with general contractors to bring your vision to life. Using her extensive knowledge of construction, interior design, space planning, color palettes and timeless finishes, she transforms any space into something functional, stylish and showstopping.

rosamorenokitchens.com