Historic Savannah Kitchen Renovation Case Study

Project at a Glance

• Location: Historic downtown Savannah, Georgia
• Home age: 125 years old
• Client history: 16th home renovation; first project with Kitchen Design Solutions
• Cabinetry: Marsh Cabinetry, Summerfield style — Cashmere finish on perimeter cabinetry, Midnight finish with decorative panels on the island
• Countertops: White quartz
• Appliances: Thermador — 36-inch French door refrigerator, 30-inch double built-in wall oven, 24-inch microwave drawer, Sapphire 6-program dishwasher
• Custom range hood: Built in-house by KDS’s cabinet millworker
• Client satisfaction: 10 out of 10 — would use KDS again and recommend to others

Overview

This family purchased a 125-year-old historic home in downtown Savannah, as their son attended Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD). They saw more than an old house, they saw a passion project.

This was their 16th home renovation, but their first time renovating in Savannah, Georgia and their first time working with Kitchen Design Solutions. They were drawn to the charm of the Hostess City of the South while spending time here because their son is attending SCAD. This historic home became a meaningful project in a place they quickly came to love.

The home had character, age, and architectural beauty, but the kitchen was another story. In the homeowners’ words, “there was barely a kitchen to begin with.” Their goal was to create a space that respected the style of the 125-year-old home while elevating it with a coastal, functional design.

KDS helped transform the space into a polished, highly functional kitchen featuring Marsh Cabinetry in the Summerfield style, finished in Cashmere and a dramatic Midnight black finished island with decorative panels, white quartz countertops, Thermador appliances, and a custom hood.

The Problem

The home had history and charm, but the kitchen did not support the way the homeowners wanted to live, cook, or gather.

Because the house was 125 years old, the renovation came with the kinds of surprises that often appear in historic homes. The kitchen flooring was chopped up and uneven, and the subfloor had to be replaced. During the cabinetry phase, the team also discovered that some pieces would not fit exactly as planned, which required quick thinking, adjustments, and a willingness to redirect the design without losing the overall vision.

The homeowners wanted a kitchen that felt elevated and sleek, but still appropriate for the style of the house. They also needed real function, including:

• A large island
• Generous working space
• Two dishwashers
• An undercounter microwave
• Smart storage
• Cabinetry that could work with the quirks of an older home

For experienced renovators who had already completed 15 homes before this one, the expectations were high. They knew what a successful renovation should feel like, and they needed a team that could problem-solve without panic.

The Solution

KDS designed a kitchen that honored the character of the historic Savannah home while giving the homeowners the modern function they needed.

The cabinetry became a key part of the transformation. Marsh Cabinetry in the Summerfield style was selected for its classic yet refined look. The perimeter cabinetry was finished in Cashmere, creating a soft, timeless foundation throughout the space. For contrast, the island was finished in Midnight and elevated with decorative panels, giving the kitchen a striking focal point without overpowering the historic charm of the home.

The layout was designed to maximize function and working space. A large island now gives the homeowners room to prep, gather, and move comfortably through the kitchen. The cabinetry was staggered intentionally, creating visual interest while also helping the design work within the realities of the older home.

Special cabinetry accessories were incorporated to make the kitchen more efficient, including:

• Roll-outs
• A double trash pull-out

These details help support everyday function while keeping the kitchen clean, organized, and easy to use.

The homeowners also wanted appliance performance that matched the level of the renovation. Thermador appliances were sourced for the kitchen, including:

• 36-inch French door refrigerator
• 30-inch double built-in wall oven
• 24-inch microwave drawer
• Sapphire 6-program dishwasher

The hood was custom-built by KDS’s cabinet millworker, adding another personalized element to the final design.

White quartz countertops complete the space, bringing a clean, elevated finish that balances beautifully with the Marsh Cabinetry Cashmere cabinetry and Midnight island.

The Result

What was once barely a kitchen is now one of the most functional and beautiful spaces in the home.

The completed kitchen feels coastal fresh, elevated, and appropriate for a historic downtown Savannah property. It gives the homeowners the working space they wanted, the large island they envisioned, and the everyday convenience that was missing before. The transformation also gave new life to a home that already had history, turning the kitchen into a space worthy of the rest of the house.

For homeowners who have renovated 16 homes, the final result speaks volumes. They described their experience with KDS as a 10 out of 10 and said they would absolutely use KDS again if they stay within the Lowcountry area. They also said they would recommend KDS to others, noting that the team was willing to keep showing up, keep problem-solving, and keep saying yes.

Even when challenges came up, including glass door issues and cabinetry adjustments, KDS continued to work through the details until the project came together. For this homeowner, that level of follow-through made all the difference.

Most importantly, the renovation changed how the home lives. After starting with a house that barely had a working kitchen, the homeowners now have a space that feels beautiful, functional, and truly usable.