Modern & Serene Kitchen Remodel in Cromwell Farms – A McDrake Remodeling Transformation

May 29th, 2025

Andrea Picardi, Marketing Director

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Open concept, warm materials, and balanced contrasts come together for a kitchen that feels serene and sophisticated.
Open concept, warm materials, and balanced contrasts come together for a kitchen that feels serene and sophisticated.

Welcome to the heart of the home — reimagined.

McDrake Remodeling recently completed a stunning kitchen remodel in the Cromwell Farms neighborhood of Norfolk, VA. Our design and construction team worked closely with the homeowners to open up the space, reimagine the layout, and deliver a kitchen that blends modern functionality with serene, sophisticated style.

Before

Norfolk Kitchen Before
The original kitchen was divided by a bar-height counter and partial wall, making the space feel tight and dated.

Concept - Design Rendering

Kitchen Design Rendering

Construction Phase

Construction Phase - Kitchen Demolition
Construction Phase - Kitchen Demolition

After

With the wall removed, the kitchen flows effortlessly into the surrounding space, perfect for entertaining.
With the wall removed, the kitchen flows effortlessly into the surrounding space, perfect for entertaining.

Out with the Old: Making Room for Modern Living

The original kitchen layout included a closed-off bar top and wall that limited flow and natural light. By removing these barriers, we completely opened up the floor plan and created a seamless transition between the kitchen and the rest of the home — perfect for cooking, entertaining, and gathering with family and friends.

Durable Elegance from the Ground Up

Gone are the old tile floors that were hard to maintain due to textured grout. In their place, we installed 24” x 24” Florida Tile Tempo glazed porcelain tile in Dark Gray, creating a marbled, natural stone look that’s both modern and easy to clean — a dream for high-traffic kitchen areas.

Before

The old tile flooring had deep grout lines and a textured surface that was hard to keep clean — time for an upgrade.
The old tile flooring had deep grout lines and a textured surface that was hard to keep clean — time for an upgrade.

After

24x24 marbled Florida Tile in Tempo/Dark Gray being carefully installed for a clean, modern base.
24x24 marbled Florida Tile in Tempo/Dark Gray being carefully installed for a clean, modern base.

Custom Cabinetry for a Tailored Look

The cabinetry design balances contrast and cohesion. We used Green Forest Cabinets from the Park Place collection in Smoked Cashew for the kitchen island and upper cabinets, paired with Green Forest Park Place cabinets in Bianco for the base cabinets and pantry. The combination gives the space depth and warmth, while Jeffrey Alexander Belcastel hardware adds an elegant finishing touch.

Custom Green Forest Park Place cabinets in Bianco and Smoked Cashew go in, adding texture and contrast.
Custom Green Forest Park Place cabinets in Bianco and Smoked Cashew go in, adding texture and contrast.

Let There Be Light

We installed recessed lighting throughout and added statement pendants above the island and sink, giving the kitchen a soft, ambient glow while keeping it well-lit for everyday tasks and entertaining.

New recessed lighting and electrical for pendant fixtures installed — bringing brightness to every corner.
New recessed lighting and electrical for pendant fixtures installed — bringing brightness to every corner.

To enhance both functionality and ambiance, we installed discreet under-cabinet lighting that provides a soft, continuous glow across the countertops. This lighting not only brightens up workspaces for food prep but also highlights the beautiful finishes of the MSI quartz surfaces and custom cabinetry. It’s a subtle yet impactful upgrade that adds warmth and depth to the overall kitchen design.

Daltile Divinium Zion Picket tile backsplash.

A Focal Point Worth Savoring

The newly designed kitchen island and custom hood are now the centerpiece of the space. We included a cooktop, secondary oven, and MSI Surfaces Cashmere Carrara quartz countertops, offering a timeless surface that ties the design together with clean elegance.

The centerpiece island — a beautiful foundation for gathering, prep, and dining.
The centerpiece island — a beautiful foundation for gathering, prep, and dining.

A Coffee & Wine Bar That Wows

Bianco base cabinetry provides storage along the pantry wall — functional and beautiful.

We carved out a built-in nook for a custom coffee and wine bar, featuring Shiloh Cabinetry white oak floating shelves, a beverage sink, and a stunning Daltile Divinium Zion Picket tile wall — the true statement piece of the room. It’s a beautiful and functional space perfect for morning coffee or an evening glass of wine.

Built-in coffee/wine bar with Daltile Divinium Zion Picket tile and custom white oak shelves. Includes a beverage sink for convenience.
Built-in coffee/wine bar with Daltile Divinium Zion Picket tile and custom white oak shelves. Includes a beverage sink for convenience.

Thinking About Remodeling Your Kitchen?

If your kitchen is feeling dated or disjointed, it might be time for a fresh start. At McDrake Remodeling, we offer free in-home estimates and showroom appointments to help bring your vision to life. Our designers will guide you through selecting cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and backsplash materials to fit your aesthetic and budget.

✅ Serving Norfolk, VA and surrounding areas
✅ Expert kitchen remodeling and design
✅ Custom cabinetry, countertops, and flooring
✅ Showroom visits and in-home consultations available

Before

Dated Kitchen Before Remodel

After

Custom Green Forest Park Place cabinets in Bianco and Smoked Cashew go in, adding texture and contrast.

Hear What Our Clients Have to Say

Marie Y.
Google Review
McDrake Remodeling is the best! From the design and planning stage to completion - the staff were knowledgeable and professional at all times. The work was excellent, and I am more than please with the results; I am ecstatic! They remodeled my whole first floor including removing walls, adding bathrooms and a whole new kitchen. It was a huge job and they made me very comfortable throughout the entire process.
Brandy V.
Google Review
As an interior designer, McDrake Remodeling has been the most reliable and professional contractors I've ever had the pleasure of working with! I have worked with McDrake on several remodeling projects and they have always exceeded my expectations and left my clients ecstatic with their experience. I would highly recommend McDrake for any of your remodel, sunroom or flooring needs.
Larry S.
Google Review
McDrake built a new addition to our kitchen as well as expanding and roofing over our brick front porch. This included taking down walls, creating a see-through counter to our living room, new quartz counters and peninsula, installing new appliances, flooring, and windows. A great team; they work together. They listen. They do a professional job. We are very pleased (as are our neighbors who keep trooping through to see). And we're asking McDrake back to do our siding, windows, and back patio.
Read More Reviews

Ready to transform your space?

Contact our showroom today to schedule a design consultation and start your remodeling journey.
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