Kitchens

After a kitchen fire caused extensive damage to this home, SHECan2 was brought in to restore the space from the ground up. Thanks to the quick response of the homeowner, a retired firefighter, the fire was stopped before it spread to the second story.

While the exact cause of the fire was never confirmed, one possible contributing factor discussed during the project was the connection of newer copper wiring to older aluminum wiring without an approved aluminum-to-copper connector. This type of connection can create potential safety concerns if not installed correctly and is a commonly overlooked issue in older homes and adding electric car charges. (We’ll be sharing more information about this important topic in a future blog post.)

The entire kitchen, adjoining laundry room, and dividing wall between the kitchen and living room were taken down to the wall studs. We removed all damaged drywall and insulation before rebuilding the space with new drywall and insulation to help eliminate lingering smoke odors. We also managed the permitting process, helping make the restoration as smooth as possible for the homeowners.

The rebuilt kitchen features beautiful new cabinetry, quartz countertops, a decorative tile backsplash, a new sink, updated pendant and recessed lighting, and a modern freestanding range hood. New tile flooring was installed throughout the kitchen, while the carpet in the living room was replaced to complete the restoration.

As part of the redesign, we removed the large mirrored wall that once separated the kitchen from the living room. In its place, we constructed a half wall topped with matching quartz, creating a much more open and inviting floor plan while maintaining functional separation between the spaces.

The laundry room was also completely reimagined. Instead of enclosing the area with walls, we opened it up to improve the flow of the home and make the space feel larger. Custom cabinetry was built to conceal the washer and dryer behind pocket cabinet doors, allowing the appliances to disappear when not in use while providing a clean, seamless appearance.

What began as a fire restoration became an opportunity to completely transform the home. The finished project not only repaired the damage but also created a brighter, more open, and highly functional living space that is both beautiful and built to last.