Mill Creek Kitchen Renovation: Turning Awkward Angles into Functional Flow
When I first spoke with Tim and Maureen about their Mill Creek home, it was clear they loved their house. The problem was its flow. As a couple who entertains regularly and hosts weekly dinners with their growing extended family, their kitchen and dining spaces weren’t working.
Understanding the Problem: Angles, Flow, and Function
The home had some architectural quirks, likely influenced by the cul-de-sac in front and wetlands behind. The most striking was the old dining area: a half-octagon with no 90-degree angles anywhere. It made furnishing the space awkward. More importantly, it made movement feel cramped and nonintuitive.
“We knew the strengths and faults of the house. The flow and those strange angles were definitely a fault. It made it challenging to figure out how to improve the space to fit our current lifestyle.” —Tim and Maureen
But the kitchen itself presented even more functional challenges. The refrigerator sat right next to a doorway, creating constant traffic jams. And the existing island? It was two-tiered and angled, making it nearly impossible for more than one person to work comfortably. For a family that loves to cook together and entertain, this was a regular point of frustration.
Listening First, Designing Second
Tim and Maureen came to our first meetings with their initial ideas about the space. What followed was exactly the kind of collaborative process I love: We listened to each other, explored possibilities, and over time honed in on a design that expertly served their needs.
One of the first moves was addressing their awkward breakfast nook. We squared it up, transforming the half-octagon into a beautiful rectangle surrounded by windows. Suddenly, they had a functional space for morning coffee that also incorporated much-needed storage, all in a spot where an ill-fitting table once struggled to find its place.
Smart Solutions for Real-Life Flow
For the kitchen itself, we completely reoriented the layout. The refrigerator moved away from the doorway, immediately solving the traffic problem. But the island was where we really changed the game.
We replaced that angled, two-tiered island with a single-level rectangle island with a gentle curve on the seating side. This allows guests to enjoy watching Tim, a passionate home chef, prepare a gourmet meal—or it can be used as a serving area. This small but important detail allows for guests to see each other while conversing and also created additional ease of walkway space from the entry to the deck.
The space between the sink and the stove is now wide and open, allowing multiple cooks to work comfortably. It’s one of those design choices that’s almost invisible but makes a huge difference in how the space functions.
“The flow between the kitchen and our family room was also important, and in the process of the design, we were able to accomplish that, too. We opened up the spaces, creating a much larger aisle that allows people to easily move between the formal dining, family room, and out to the deck.” —Tim and Maureen
The Pièce de Résistance
Chef Tim wanted something in the kitchen that would serve as a true focal point: a pièce de résistance. With lower ceilings, we had to be smart about where we added drama, adding one stunning focal point rather than competing elements throughout.
The solution was the marble mosaic backsplash behind the range. It’s become the statement piece of the kitchen, drawing the eye and elevating the space without overwhelming it. For Tim, it represents the chef-worthy upgrade he wanted. For me, it’s the perfect example of how thoughtful design balances aesthetics and function.
The rest of Tim and Maureen’s wish list came together beautifully: top-end Thermador appliances in matching stainless steel (stove, range, refrigerator, dishwasher, and hood), plus a beverage fridge. But it’s that mosaic that ties it all together and makes the kitchen feel truly custom.
A Kitchen Ready for Weekly Family Dinners
What started as a space with awkward angles and frustrating flow is now a kitchen that supports Tim and Maureen’s lifestyle. They can comfortably host their extended family, cook side-by-side, and smoothly move between indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces.
“Melinda and the Tenhulzen team made us think a little more outside the box and ultimately get to a better process and product. They truly listened to our wants and desires, and they find ways to deliver the best product, even while respecting your budget.” —Tim and Maureen
For me, this project demonstrates what I love most about interior design: the opportunity to improve not just how a space looks, but also how it functions for the people who live there every day. Tim and Maureen now have a beautiful, functional kitchen.
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To see more of the project by the Tenhulzen team, check out their blog!