A Southbridge Kitchen Renovation Case Study

Project at a Glance

• Location: Southbridge, a Savannah, Georgia neighborhood
• Cabinetry: Koch Cabinetry, Charleston style — Oyster finish on upper cabinetry and built-in pantry, Smokey Blue finish on the island and lower cabinetry
• Extended cabinetry design: Laundry room finished in Smokey Blue; under-stairs wine storage room finished in Oyster
• Island: New 9-foot island
• Countertops: Low Country Granite
• Backsplash: Garden State Tile
• Lighting: Pace Lighting
• Flooring: Eckards
• Appliances: KitchenAid bottom-mount refrigerator, KitchenAid electric induction cooktop, BOSCH 30-inch single wall oven, Sharp microwave drawer, Koch hood and blower
• Cabinetry accessories: Lazy Susan, double trash pull-out, tray dividers
• Client satisfaction: 110% satisfied with KDS and the finished product

Overview

In Southbridge, a neighborhood of Savannah, Georgia, this homeowner wanted a kitchen that felt larger, more timeless, and more connected to everyday life. The original space had potential, but it was not being used in a way that supported how the homeowner wanted to live, gather, and enjoy the home.

The vision was simple but meaningful: create a kitchen with better flow, more seating, and a truly workable island that could become the center of the downstairs living space.

Kitchen Design Solutions helped transform the kitchen into a warm, functional, and beautifully balanced space featuring Koch Cabinetry in the Charleston style. The upper cabinetry and built-in pantry were finished in a color called Oyster, while the island and lower cabinetry were finished in a Smokey Blue for a grounded, refined contrast. The same thoughtful cabinetry design also carried into the laundry room, finished in Smokey Blue, and a small wine storage room under the stairs, finished in Oyster.

The Problem

Before the renovation, the kitchen did not feel as spacious or as useful as it could have. The homeowner wanted to make the kitchen bigger, to better utilize the available space, and create a layout that felt timeless rather than trendy.

A major priority was the island. The homeowner envisioned a large, workable island that could provide more prep space, more seating, and a natural place for people to gather. The previous layout did not offer the counter space, flow, or function needed for the way the homeowner wanted to use the kitchen.

One of the biggest challenges during the design and construction process was the hood vent. It required thoughtful planning to make sure the final solution worked properly while still fitting seamlessly into the overall design.

The Solution

KDS reimagined the layout to make better use of the kitchen’s footprint and create a space that felt more open, practical, and inviting. The new 9-foot island became the anchor of the design, offering generous workspace, added storage, and more seating around the counters.

To create a timeless look with warmth and personality, the design incorporated Koch Cabinetry in the Charleston door style. The upper cabinetry and built-in pantry/storage were finished in Oyster, giving the kitchen a soft, classic foundation. The island and lower cabinetry were finished in Smokey Blue, adding depth and contrast while still keeping the overall design calm, elegant, and livable.

The cabinetry design extended beyond the kitchen as well. The laundry room was finished in Smokey Blue, creating a cohesive connection to the kitchen’s lower cabinetry and island. Under the stairs, a small wine storage room was finished in Oyster, turning an often-overlooked area into a charming and functional detail within the home.

Inside the cabinetry, special accessories were added to improve everyday function, including:

• Lazy Susan
• Double trash pull-out
• Tray dividers

These details may be subtle, but they make a major difference in how smoothly the kitchen works day to day.

The project also included countertops from Low Country Granite, a backsplash from Garden State Tile, lighting from Pace Lighting, and flooring by Eckards, which the homeowner especially loved. Appliances were sourced from trusted brands including KitchenAid, BOSCH, and Sharp. The final selections included:

• KitchenAid bottom-mount refrigerator
• KitchenAid electric induction cooktop
• BOSCH 30-inch single wall oven
• Sharp microwave drawer
• Koch hood and blower

The Result

The finished kitchen now feels like it was always meant to be the heart of this Southbridge home. What was once underused space has become a beautiful, functional gathering place with better flow, more seating, and a stunning 9-foot island that supports both daily life and entertaining.

The transformation changed more than the kitchen. It changed how the homeowner uses the entire downstairs. With a more open, welcoming layout, the kitchen now draws people in and encourages more time spent together in the home.

Every detail, from the Smokey Blue island and lower cabinetry to the Oyster built-in storage and wine room under the stairs, came together to create a home that feels more intentional, more personal, and more livable. The finished design feels timeless without feeling plain, functional without feeling utilitarian, and beautiful without sacrificing the way the homeowner truly lives.